[Racerbvd]

Dear Communication Alumni:

I know you share our devastation at today's events. We're in shock. When
the university releases the names of the victims, everything will become
> very, very real.
>
> Here's what you can't hear on the news. People around campus took
> responsibility for securing areas and protecting students. I can only
> share the great response from your faculty. We learned in the Morva
> incident to listen to police scanners online at the first sign of trouble.
> Events transpire too quickly for the university administration to get word
> to everyone nearly as quickly as everyone would hope.
>
> Beth Waggenspack and Emily Stallings pulled a high school Art club from
> West Virginia off the sidewalk and into Shanks Hall. We secured them in a
> basement classroom until we knew the danger had ended. Beth and Emily
> ordered students walking around campus inside. Others facuolty kept
> students calm down at the Shultz Media Center. I know similar efforts
> were made by faculty and staff around campus. Now, our Student Affairs
> staff are bearing a tremendous burden as they notify and support families
> of those killed and injured.
>
> I know many of you want to know what you can do. We can only ask that
> you keep everyone, especially the victims and their families, in your
> thoughts and prayers. As other initiatives develop, and we know they
> will, we'll send word.
>
> For now, hug your loved ones.
>
> With a sad, sad heart.
>
> Rachel
>
> Rachel Holloway, Head
> Department of Communication
> Virginia Tech
> Blacksburg, VA 24061 :