Support for Our Students in Wake of Virginia Tech Tragedy

Date: April 17, 2007
To: U.Va. Parents
From: Patricia M. Lampkin

Dear Parents:

Many of you have read the statement from President Casteen expressing the deep sorrow felt throughout the U.Va. community over the senseless losses that Virginia Tech experienced yesterday. As details from yesterday sink in, we are collectively grieving for the lost lives of students, faculty, and staff; for the waste of youthful potential and precious talent; and for the victims’ family members and friends whose lives have been shattered.

I write now to reiterate the services and support that we are providing to our students, many of whom had siblings, relatives, friends, and neighbors at Tech. As President Casteen explained in his statement, students can get help through Counseling and Psychological Services, the Office of the Dean of Students, the Resident Staff, and other members of the Student Affairs staff. All of these professionals are equipped to respond to students around the clock. We recognize that some students will want to speak with a counselor immediately; others may experience delayed needs. Please talk with your son or daughter, and if you sense they could benefit from professional help, encourage them to get it.

From being with a number of students since yesterday, I know that they are finding much comfort simply in talking with one another, providing companionship, and coming together as a community. A vigil was held last night in the McCormick Residence Area, and a larger, community-wide vigil will take place this evening at 7:00 in the Amphitheatre. If you are able to attend, we would welcome you.

I am certain that many students will be changed by yesterday's events. My hope is that we support each other as a community as well as our neighbors in Blacksburg and that, somehow, we will learn as a society how to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

For information on ways in which the University is joining together to support Virginia Tech, please see http://www.virginia.edu/vatechsupport/.

Sincerely,
Patricia M. Lampkin
Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer