Va. Tech colors shower Madison campus
Posted on April 26, 2007
The Commons is sprinkled with both JMU and Virginia Tech apparel. The Tech flag waves in the wind at half-mast over ISAT, maroon and orange ribbons are pinned on lapels of staff and students.
As students at Virginia Tech come together to mourn their loss, JMU students have become a force to support the Va. Tech community.
“We have hung maroon and orange banners on the bridge over I-81, a road that both our schools share,” Vice President of Administrative Affairs Lee Brooks said. “We have had a moment of silence, a memorial ceremony put on by Dr. Rose, and everywhere you look, you can see Virginia Tech ribbons on students.”
In addition to the campus-wide events, other organizations and groups are working to raise money. Many came together last Monday night for a candlelight vigil and vowed to work to help the Virginia Tech community.
“Student Ambassadors wear Virginia Tech ribbons while giving tours,” sophomore Rob Anderson said.
Brooks said fraternities are helping out as well.
“The fraternity Kappa Alpha Order has made remembrance T-shirts and has begun to sell them to students,” he said. “All of the proceeds will go to the Hokie Fund.”
The Hokie Fund was created to remember and honor the victims at Va. Tech. The fund will be used to cover expenses including but not limited to assisting victims and their families, grief counseling, memorials, communication expenses and comfort expenses.
Other organizations offer support in other ways.
“Intervarsity prays for the victims of the Virginia Tech massacre,” freshman Kaity Hauter said.
JMU organizations and clubs are working to raise money for the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund and the Hokie Spirit Scholarship Fund. Memorial Fund donations go to grief counseling, memorials and incidental needs at Virginia Tech. Money donated to the Scholarship Fund is divided into individuals funds set up by the families of the victims in their honor.
Many JMU students were directly affected by the tragedy, but others simply want to support a fellow university.
“As a neighboring university we feel as though we are a brother to the school, and feel the pain that they feel,” sophomore Rob Anderson said. “We show our unconditional love and support because it is in our nature to do so.”