In a note to the campus on Tuesday morning, President Lisa Marsh Ryerson responded to the sense of sorrow and loss over the killings at Virginia Tech and sent the College’s condolences to their community.  The College’s bells were also rung in memory of the victims. 

Dear faculty, staff and students,

Though it is still too early to know all the facts surrounding the violence at Virginia Tech yesterday, what we do know is that it is a senseless and profound tragedy.  We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims and the entire Virginia Tech community. 

Even in an environment in which we must continually question our assumptions about what it means to be safe, when violence invades the sanctity of our residence halls and classrooms it is especially upsetting. 

Our community will gather for a moment of reflection today, Tuesday, April 17, at 12:30 pm in the Chapel.  In coming together to express our grief for those affected by the Virginia Tech killings and lend our support to one another when tragedy feels too close to home, perhaps we can regain a sense of peace.

Knowing that violence and tragedy can affect us in a singular moment or over time, individually and collectively, members of the Dean of Students Office are available to talk and listen, and our counseling services are available through the medical center.  Please contact Dean Anne Lundquist if you have questions or concerns.

Thinking of you,
President Lisa Marsh Ryerson

In addition, Wells students have organized a sympathy letter writing campaign. Students, faculty, staff, parents, alumnae and friends of the College are invited to send sympathy cards or notes to the families of the Virginia Tech victims.  Cards may be delivered to the Dean of Students Office in Macmillan Hall and they will be sent to Virginia Tech for them to forward to the families; the deadline is April 27, 2007. 

Also, The Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund has been created to support counseling, grief advising, and community spirit projects that have arisen in the wake of Monday’s events.  Contributions should be payable to the Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. and sent to Virginia Tech University Development (0336), 902 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, Virginia 2406.

As a sign of support for the Virginia Tech community, you may wish to participate in the Orange and Maroon Day declared by the Virginia Tech alumni by wearing the school’s colors of orange or maroon this Friday, April 20th.

Please share ideas for other actions with any member of the Student Life Staff at dos@wells.edu.
 

Last updated 04/17/2007