I’m been on that beautiful campus in the Blue Ridge Mountains several times with my niece and family, the last time at her graduation a couple of years ago. I’m not sure what can or needs to be said of this tragedy or the others like it. I’m not sure if it just doesn’t lend itself to words or if words are not needed...they are so impotent. Except, of course, to the predictable groups who are out in force in H-town media this morning: guns – “if all the other students had had one this wouldn’t have happened;” home schoolers – “kids should be schooled at home where they are safe;” and those who will now blame every person of Korean descent they see in the foreseeable future.

My heart goes out to everyone touched and involved in this event. Alumni, students, parents and other family members. My precious niece who is such a Hokie and has such pride in her alma mater. Everyone.


We are sad today, and we will be sad for quite a while. We are not moving on. We are embracing our mourning. We are Virginia Tech ...
-- Nikki Giovanni, University Distinguished Professor, poet, activist