April 2008
ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF APRIL 16
Almost one year ago, a tragedy of unspeakable magnitude befell the Virginia Tech community. Thirty-two unique and promising lives were lost on that bitter April day, and since then, those who survived the shootings have faced physical and emotional challenges. On April 16, 2008, Virginia Tech will hold several campus events memorializing the victims and honoring the survivors. Classes have been canceled, and student, faculty, staff, and alumni are encouraged to attend the events. For the most up-to-date news, schedules, and other information, go to the "We will not forget" website at www.remembrance.vt.edu/index.html.
OFFICIAL EVENTS
From 10:30 a.m. to noon, a University Commemoration will be held on the Drillfield (rain or shine). Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger will open the event and welcome those assembled. The names and special qualities of each of the 32 students and faculty who lost their lives one year ago will be read aloud. Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine will close the program with special comments.
Beginning at sundown (approximately 8:15 p.m.), a student-organized candlelight vigil will be held on the Drillfield (rain or shine). A ceremonial candle that will burn all day at the official memorial site will be used to light the first candles for the evening vigil.
NOTE: Both of these events will be streamed live on Virginia Tech's website. For instructions, go to www.remembrance.vt.edu/webcasts/index.html.
EXPRESSIONS OF REMEMBRANCE
7 a.m. to midnight: Meditation - Jamestown Room, Squires Student Center.
8 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Exhibit of memorabilia contributed to Virginia Tech - Alumni Museum, Holtzman Alumni Center.
10 a.m. to 10 p.m.: "April 16: Remembrance, Recognition, and Healing" art exhibit - Perspectives Gallery, Squires Student Center.
10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.: Free billiards and bowling - BreakZONE, 117 Squires Student Center.
Noon to 3 p.m.: Dance/performance - Commonwealth Ballroom. The stage will be available for group singing or dancing performances; sign up on location throughout the day.
Noon to 5 p.m.: "Remembering Through Art Creation" - Old Dominion Ballroom. Express your thoughts and feelings through creating art in various mediums.
Noon to 8 p.m.: "Reflection and Music" - War Memorial Chapel. Musicians will provide music, creating a space for reflection and remembrance.
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Tour the Hahn Horticulture Gardens Meadow Garden at the Peggy Lee Hahn Garden Pavilion, West Patio; tours start every 30 minutes.
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: "Chess for Fun" - Brush Mountain Room, Squires Student Center. Play or learn to play chess; all skill and experience levels welcomed.
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Open microphone - Deet’s Coffee Shop. Sign up on location to share poetry, individual song, or writings.
3 p.m.: Virginia Tech softball vs. Liberty - Tech Softball Park. One of the first Virginia Tech teams to return to action last spring, the softball team will play in memory of those who lost their lives and in honor of those who were injured and traumatized by the events of April 16, 2007. A pre-game remembrance will be held prior to the first pitch. For more information, contact Bryan Johnston at 540/231-3387.
3 p.m. to 5 p.m. (doors open at 2 p.m.): - "First Annual Remembrance Through Dance: In Memory of Reema Samaha" - Haymarket Theatre. For more information, go to www.cde.org.vt.edu.
For other April 16 events, go to www.remembrance.vt.edu/schedule/index.html.
REFLECTIONS
Listen as faculty and students reflect upon April 16th one year later, with a focus on the future: www.remembrance.vt.edu/podcasts/index.html.
MEMORIAL ITEMS
Cards, letters, poems, pictures, posters, or other memorial items that you want to have forwarded to the families of the fallen Hokies may be mailed to the Office of Recovery and Support, Virginia Tech, Research Building #7 (0907), 1700 Kraft Drive, Suite 1100, Blacksburg, VA 24061. Please specify to whom you wish the items to be sent. Those also wanting to send items to the Virginia Tech community should mail them to the Office of Recovery and Support. If you are planning to leave a memorial item at the April 16 Memorial, go to www.remembrance.vt.edu/leaving-items.html for instructions.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Contact information: www.remembrance.vt.edu/contact/index.html
Office of Recovery and Support: www.recovery.vt.edu
Multimedia Archive: www.remembrance.vt.edu/2007-multimedia.html
The April 16 Archive: www.april16archive.org
Legacy.com Guest Book: www.legacy.com/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=87298850
VT-ENGAGE: www.engage.vt.edu
