1 Killed in Shootings at Virginia Tech

[PM_Mama00]

www.umd.umich.edu

Virginia Tech Vigil
Wednesday, April 18, 5:30 p.m.
It is with great sadness that we offer an opportunity to gather and reflect on the horrific tragedy yesterday at Virginia Tech. Tomorrow evening, Wednesday, April 18, at 5:30 pm we will gather in the grassy area behind the University Center where individuals can sit quietly or participate by sharing their thoughts....

[HBADPi]

I heard this morning he just had a crush on the girl and was jealous that she was seeing someone else.

The Smoking Gun has posted a short play he wrote for one of his classes...bit disturbing.
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive...071vtech1.html

[angelic1]

The media and many are so quick to point the blame. Putting the blame on the administration, police, etc.

Virginia Tech is a large school and can not be contained as if a high school or elementary school. Based on the events the police thought that the first incident was an isolated event. They could not have predicted what would have happened.

I am proud of those students who have tried to defend their school and showed their pride for their school and community.

Virginia Tech is a great community with great leaders who care very much about their school.

Hindsight is 20/20..

[shinerbock]

There comes a point where the security measures have to be viewed in a cost-benefit sense. Now, I'm not saying that anything is worth the lives of these students, but realistically, there is likely only a relatively small chance that this could have been prevented. Thankfully, this is obviously a rare occurrence (to the degree that we've never seen anything like it, and hopefully won't again). The cost (and by cost I mean loss of purpose, not dollar amount) of "securing" these campuses would be extraordinary. If you don't believe that, go visit Pensacola Christian College and decide if thats a campus that fosters learning.

I like the fact that we've progressed so far as a society that we do have a "lets fix it" mentality. However, reality mandates that some things aren't fixable without frustrating their very purpose for existence. To really prevent auto accident deaths, we'd take much of the utility and convenience out of driving. To adequately reduce the risk of becoming victims of terrorism, we'd constantly be living in fear. I don't want it to sound like "these things are just gonna happen", but in some sense, they are. We can't contemplate every possible contingency that will take life, and if we tried, we'd be even more miserable. This isn't to say there aren't steps to be taken, but there are things we'll never understand, that we'll never be able to predict, and that we'll never be able to control. I realize that for many, such questioning is part of the grieving process. But for the rest of us, I think we just have to accept that a terrible person did an inexplicable thing and it shouldn't detrimentally impact how we live our lives.

[azureblue]

University of Kansas

Candlelight vigil scheduled for tonight at campanile

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas will hold a candlelight vigil at 7 tonight in honor of those affected by Monday morning’s shootings at Virginia Tech.

The ceremony will take place at the campanile. Jason Boots, student body president, will host the event. Speakers include Chancellor Robert Hemenway; Matt Drake, a KU graduate student who earned a degree from Virginia Tech in 2006; and Sean Heston, president of KU Religious Advisors.

Counseling services will be available for students at the vigil.

Student group creates banner, hands out ribbons to honor victims of shooting

LAWRENCE — University of Kansas students will join together in support of those affected by Monday’s shootings at Virginia Tech.

Representatives from KU’s Student Union Activities will be on Wescoe Beach from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today with a large banner that students can sign. The banner will be sent to Virginia Tech.

The group will also hand out ribbons in Virginia Tech colors for those would like to commemorate those who died.

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by angelic1

Virginia Tech is a large school and can not be contained as if a high school or elementary school. Based on the events the police thought that the first incident was an isolated event. They could not have predicted what would have happened.

I agree.

I don't go to VT obviously, but I could totally see on the news that when reporters were interviewing students, they were asking students questions as if they were trying to get them to place blame on the administration, which wasn't right. I'm sure the students don't blame VT at all for what happened.

It is very difficult to place a university on "lock down." There are no big doors that the administration can just SHUT to keep people from harm.

Some people are saying that classes should've been cancelled after the first incident. I personally don't think it would've made a difference. Let's say the university cancelled classes. The shooter was still on campus after the first incident. There still would've been people out who manybe didn't hear about cancellations. So there's no way to say that cancelling classes after the first shooting would've kept people from being shot.

[SigmaPezY60]

Statement by UNCG Chancellor Patricia A. Sullivan on the Shooting at Virginia Tech





A very heartfelt statement, and she called for students, faculty, and administrators to observe a moment of silence @ 2 pm today- the same time as VTech's convocation.

I had class at 2pm, and my professor held 3 minutes of silence.

I haven't seen any flags at half staff in Greensboro... but I haven't been into the heart of campus all day.

[KSUViolet06]

KSU will hold a memorial service on the 20th, as well as a banner signing. From my alma mater's website:
http://cms.kent.edu/TopStories/2007/MemorialService.cfm

From the KSU President:

On behalf of every member of our Kent State community, I extend our support and deepest sympathies to the Virginia Tech community. This tragedy shocks us and the nation. I am personally deeply saddened by this horrific news. At Kent State we are especially sensitive to such events and our thoughts and prayers are with our colleagues and friends at Virginia Tech. While Virginia Tech is hundreds of miles away, our concern and hurt is not limited by distance. We know well that no community can be completely shielded from tragedy. As we reflect on the events of this past week let us continue to endeavor to seek peace and understanding, social justice and good will, and let us pray for strength and insight as we move ahead in our daily tasks.

Lester Lefton
President
Kent State University

[mystikchick]

Originally Posted by flirt5721

Here is what my school did.


To: Campus Community
Date: April 17, 2007
Re: Moment of Silence for Virginia Tech


In remembrance of the victims from the Virginia Tech tragedy and in
concert with the convocation being held there this afternoon, NMSU
campuses across the state will observe a moment of silence at noon
today, April 17. All individuals who wish to participate in this moment
of reflection are encouraged to do so.

nobody seemed to be aware of the moment of silence this afternoon on my campus but the email only went out shortly before and given the icky weather nobody was really outside. but there's going to be a candlelight vigil organized by students in solidarity with the vtech students. i'm heartened by the response on campuses.

i still can't believe this is all real.

[mystikchick]

The Smoking Gun has posted a short play he wrote for one of his classes...bit disturbing.
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive...071vtech1.html

haven't read the plays but CNN linked to them as well as a blog by a former classmate who describes how they all wondered whether he could ever be a school shooter because he seemed the type.

ETA: http://newsbloggers.aol.com/2007/04/...ng-huis-plays/

[Tom Earp]

This has to be one of the saddest times in our History of Colleges.

But, while there is a lof of fingure pointing at the Campus Police, they were not aware of what they were dealing with.

With a Campus that size and the number of Students and workers, it is tough!

The person who was involved was handled as best that could be done at the moment!

Remember for those of you on campus, there is not an absolute protection.

Oh, be very careful out there!!!

God I feel so much for the friends and family over this stupid act!

[NikkiB]

Originally Posted by ISUKappa

It's my understanding the Kappas are also all safe and accounted for.

How horrible for Pi Beta Phi.

Caitlin Hammaren is in our thoughts and prayers. We are praying for her chapter as well.
FSU is holding a candlelight vigil tomorrow night, I'll be there, wearing my badge.

"on the heart of each sister, lies one key that binds us"

[AlexMack]

What Bush said today in Blacksburg was probably the first thing I have heard that I agree with him on. It was heartfelt and real and it made me cry.

[Buttonz]

My school didn't send out anything until 5:30 this afternoon, and all it was was this:

To Providence Campus Community

From Akhil *******, vice president, Providence Campus

Date April 17, 2007

Re Virginia Tech

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Virginia Tech community and all the families, including those here in Rhode Island who have been affected by this tragedy. At times like this, it is not unusual to experience profound feelings of shock, disbelief, worry, anger, sadness and anxiety. We can all play a role as a caring community by helping one another to deal with these unthinkable events to facilitate healing and recovery. Our mutual support for one another is a key ingredient for coping with these challenging life events which is why talking with a counselor on a one-time basis can often be very helpful.

Our on-campus counseling services are available for any of you who are experiencing difficulty, or just seeking answers during this inexplicable incident. We will have staff available throughout the week and beyond for anyone who would like to discuss their concerns.

Now is a good time to remind everyone that campus safety is everyone's priority. If you see any signs or indications of unusual behavior among anyone on campus, you are encouraged to bring this to the attention of our Campus Safety & Security department immediately. Please reach out to a member of the Providence Campus staff, faculty, administration, or a resident director with whom you are comfortable. Confidentiality, as always, will be maintained.



Here are important numbers that you should have on hand:

Campus Safety & Security 598-****

Student Counseling Center 598-****

Please, for your safety and all of ours, remember, be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious activity to Campus Safety & Security or local authorities.


****

I feel that they could have done a much better job. My first class had a guest speaker, but the prof said it will be talked about next class, and my last class the professor held a minute of silence

[shinerbock]

Bush is very good at extending compassion in situations like this.