UVa-Wise community encouraged to honor victims

of Virginia Tech tragedy

Members of the UVa-Wise community are encouraged to participate in ongoing activities honoring the victims of the Virginia Tech tragedy and their loved ones.

Memorial Book

Members of the UVa-Wise community may offer notes of condolences in a Memorial Book to be presented to Virginia Tech.

The Memorial Book will be available in the Slemp Student Center lobby through Friday, April 20.

For more information, contact Dean of Students Jeff Howard at 328-0214 or jh2cu@uvawise.edu.

Candlelight Vigil - Thursday, April 19, 8 p.m.

On Thursday, April 19, at 8 p.m., UVa-Wise students will hold a candlelight vigil to pay tribute to Virginia Tech and the victims of this week's tragedy. The vigil begins with an opening ceremony in the C. Bascom Slemp Student Center, followed by a candlelit procession on the Lawn by the Lake. Candles will be provided.

For more information, contact student coordinator Lauren Griffin at lag8c@uvawise.edu or SGA Senator Jekeyma Robinson at jor4t@uvawise.edu.

The Student Government Association is assisting with the event as part of Virginia21's statewide Candlelight Vigil.

Card Project

Members of the College community are invited to make homemade greeting cards sharing words of comfort and support for members of the Virginia Tech campus. Cards may be dropped off at the Division of Student Affairs Office on the lower level of Cantrell Hall through Thursday, April 19. The cards will be delivered to Virginia Tech on Friday.

Contact student coordinator and Resident Advisor Molly Abbott at mja9t@uvawise.edu for more information.

Support Ribbons

Members of Theta Phi Alpha sorority are distributing support ribbons in honor of Virginia Tech. Constructed of black ribbon with the VT emblem, support ribbons may be received from any Theta Phi Alpha sister and the College Bookstore. There is no cost to receive a ribbon.

Contact Theta Phi Alpha President Tori Smith at vas5s@uvawise.edu for a ribbon(s) or for more information.

Orange and Maroon Effect Day - Friday, April 20, 2007

From the Virginia Tech Alumni Association:

"Virginia Tech family members across the country have united to declare this Friday, April 20, 2007, an 'Orange and Maroon Effect' day to honor those killed in the tragic events on campus Monday, and to show support for Virginia Tech students, faculty, administrators, staff, alumni, and friends. 'Orange and Maroon Effect' was born several years ago as an invitation to Tech fans to wear orange and maroon to Virginia Tech athletic events. We invite everyone from all over the country to be a part of the Virginia Tech family this Friday, to wear orange and maroon to support the families of those who were lost, and to support the school and community we all love so much."

Governor Kaine Announces Statewide Day Of Mourning

Governor Timothy M. Kaine has declared Friday, April 20, 2007 a statewide day of mourning for the victims of Monday’s tragedy at Virginia Tech.

On Friday, Governor Kaine will participate in a service of remembrance at Monroe Park on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. He has encouraged other communities in Virginia and across the nation to hold their own simultaneous observances, beginning with the ringing of bells at noon, eastern daylight savings time.

"As our Commonwealth begins the long and difficult healing process, I am filled with images of a Virginia Tech community that is resilient and unified," said Governor Kaine. "I ask that everyone in Virginia pause at noon on Friday to offer their support for the victims, their families, and for all those affected by this tragedy."

The Governor encourages employees to participate in noon hour gatherings being held around the Commonwealth that are near their work sites. The Richmond observance will take place at Monroe Park, Belvidere and Main Streets, and will begin at noon eastern daylight savings time.

Funds Established for Virginia Tech Survivors

In response to many inquires about opportunities to assist survivors, please take note of the following funds that have been established:

United in Caring Fund - United Way of Montgomery, Radford & Floyd Counties has established the "United in Caring Fund" for victims of the Virginia Tech tragedy. Contributions may be made via the internet or by mailing gifts to UWMFR, P.O. Box 6202, Christiansburg, Va., 24068. Please indicate that your donation goes specifically to this fund. For more information call (540) 381-2066 or email the organization.

Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund - Virginia Tech has established the "Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund" to aid in the healing process and generate financial support for expenses, including grief counseling, memorials, communication expenses, comfort expenses and incidental needs. Contributions can be made online.

Posted April 18, 2007