Posted on April 23, 2007
Reflections regarding Tech tragedy
I am a JMU alumnus, the brother of a JMU alumnus and the father of a soon to be JMU alumnus. I am also from Christiansburg, Virginia, which is next to Blacksburg. Virginia Tech is a part of whom I am. Thank you for that insightful editorial on the tragedy at Virginia Tech. I am grateful and very proud of the JMU community reaching out toward Virginia Tech. I also am ashamed at the predatorial approach of the media concerning that crisis.
Wm. Jay Bender, Alumnus, class of ‘79
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The initial feelings of shock and disbelief first felt last Monday have started to fade, but the ache of the aftermath is still very real. Since the Virginia Tech massacre, my heart and mind have been in Virginia, resting on the images of parents, students, friends and community members embracing one another in a sea of maroon and orange.
I have not, however, been remiss in noticing the enormous outpour of compassion and support stemming from VT’s neighbor to the north: the extraordinary JMU. I have never felt more connected to or more proud to call myself a graduate of JMU. To watch college students around the country rally together to lift up the Hokies is phenomenal on its own, but to hear the genuine sentiment and words of encouragement sprouting from Harrisonburg fills me with pride and admiration.
Thank you for representing our university with its renowned class and warmth. Thank you for sharing your kind hearts, your generous spirit and your unwavering support. Thank you for being honest with your emotions and expressing condolence in these dark days. The journey that leads to healing for our friends in Blacksburg is long — and they will need support from the nation. I know JMU will be by their side every step of the way.
Rebecca Maas, Alumnus, class of ’04
There have been a lot of emotions flying around JMU. Some people here are worried about friends, others are in mourning and some are mad that something so horrific could happen.
It seems all I have heard the past few days is people saying what they think should have been done, or what they would have done. No one is realizing that the person sitting next to him or her could be someone affected by the misfortune.
If you’re reading this, I bet you are wondering, “Well, what should I do?” Call your parents and talk to them; they are worried about you. If you know people at Virginia Tech, call or visit your friends and let them know how much you really do care. Pray for the Virginia Tech community in whatever way you know how. Be considerate of the people around you when you decide to talk about what happened.
Just because there was a vigil and a moment of silence does not mean there is nothing else to do. The pain from this tragedy is going to stay with everyone for a long time to come. Let us all stand together for Virginia Tech and hope that the victims and their families can find peace and comfort.
James White, sophomore nursing major
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Last Monday, 32 amazing individuals were taken abruptly and violently from this earth in a way no one could have imagined. My friends and family, my neighborhood and hometown, my school and my life have all been affected by the Virginia Tech massacre. With almost 20 individuals from my graduating class at Tech, I am very blessed to still have every person that I love with me, however, for so many, this is not the case. My intentions are not to relive what has happened, but instead to begin the healing process and how this event has impacted all of us, regardless of school affiliation.
I was accepted at Virginia Tech as a senior in high school, and I contemplated going there before making my final decision to attend JMU. It is my belief that I am a student not only of this amazing university, but one of many. For wherever a friend or loved-one of mine attends, I attend too, because I am a part of them as they are of me.
Not only am I a proud Duke, but I am also proud to say that I’m a Blue Devil, Buckeye, Ram, Eagle, Maroon, Cougar, Demon Deacon, Hoya, Commodore, Tar Heel, Mountaineer, Pirate, Volunteer, Spider, Wildcat, Highlander, Cavalier, Tribesman and a Hokie. And as far as I’m concerned, I always will be.
Courtney Hodge, sophomore communication studies major
