Letter: Hokies will prevail
Letter to the Editor
April 26, 2007
As events unfolded Monday morning, I watched with concern that progressed quickly to horror at the tragedy that had befallen my alma mater. I worried mostly of the permanent impacts on people who reside, work and go to school at Virginia Tech. By late afternoon, even before the names of those killed and injured were released, I was overcome with the grief that is magnified numerous times over by those of you who are on campus every day. I cannot imagine the pain and anguish you feel, and will continue to feel in the future.
In ensuing days, thanks to reporting by the Collegiate Times, Roanoke Times, Washington Post and other newspapers, I read about the acts of valor, the good people who saved others, the personal sacrifices and the drawing together of everyone to comfort one another and those who will be changed forever by the heinous acts of one individual. You will survive, and Virginia Tech will survive as you heal.
My cynicism toward the cable news networks which has not done justice to Virginia Tech, including President Steger's administration and the students, heightened my admiration of the journalists who are working on the unfolding story. There is a difference between interviewing versus interrogating clearly traumatized individuals, who, to their credit, have held up admirably. Virginia Tech students can return to campus to resume their classes, receive their degrees and join the alumni. Hold your heads high--we are Virginia Tech.
My heart goes out to all of you.
Lucy Minogue Rowland,
Editor-in-Chief, The Virginia Tech, 1968-69
The Virginia Tech was the predecessor to The Collegiate Times