TTHEHECCENTURIONENTURION The week of April 23, 2007 www.bucks-news.com Volume: 42 Issue:11 Terror on Campus 33 Dead, 29 Injured

Virginia Tech Students in Shock and Mourning After Violent Rampage

ASA JAMES CARR death by police. Though no motive was clearly evident in Centurion Staff the Virginia Tech shooting, police did find a multiple- page letter in Cho’s dormitory that stated some reasons for The terrible massacre at Virginia Tech had a devastating the attacks. The letter contained a list of grievances, impact on that campus that has reverberated to colleges expressed rage towards women and “rich kids”, and across the nation. ended with the statement, “You made me do this.” Cho Seung-Hui, a 23-year-old senior majoring in English “It’s scary to think that he carried out such a harsh act at the university, was armed with a 9 mm and a .22-caliber with no valid reason. It just reminds us that it could hap- handgun when he shot and killed 32 students and faculty pen anytime, anywhere, and to anyone,” said Bucks stu- members in two separate attacks on the morning of Monday, dent William Jeffers, 24, liberal arts major from New- April 16. town. The first attack occurred in one of the college’s dormito- While searching Cho’s room, Virginia State police ries, and left two students dead. Then, two hours later, the found a receipt from March for a Glock 9 mm pistol and Students of Virginia Tech console each other. other attack occurred in a classroom building, leaving 31 569 rounds of practice bullets. Picture Courtesy: Whitehouse.gov people dead, including Cho. Cho, who was originally from South Korea, moved to Cho committed suicide as the Virginia State police were the United States in 1992 and lived in a suburb of Wash- Believed to be on anti-depressant medication, Cho was often entering the building. ington, D.C. He held a green card, which legally gave him the isolated in the back of his classes, and rarely participated in The tragic event is the deadliest shooting in modern U.S right to purchase the handgun. any on campus activities. history, surpassing the previous record that occurred in The receipt was traced back to a small Roanoke gun shop, Along with an unsociable attitude, Cho was reported to Killeen, Texas, in 1991, when George Hennard plowed his where store owner John Markell recalled s selling Cho the college authorities for lighting a fire in his dorm room and pickup truck into a Luby's Cafeteria and shot 23 people to gun more than a month earlier. was accused of stalking several female students. death, then himself. “He was a nice, clean-cut college kid. We won’t sell a gun The change in Cho’s behavior did not go unnoticed. His This also is the largest campus shooting since Charles if we have any idea at all that a purchase is suspicious," creative writing professor advised him to meet with the uni- Whitman climbed the clock tower on the University of Texas Markell told The Associated Press. versity's counseling service, after he turned in a disturbing campus, and opened fire with a rifle from the 28th-floor Prior to the killings, many who knew Cho described him paper that featured bloody fights and plots of murder. observation deck. He killed 16 people before he was shot to as a loner, who was starting to show troubling signs. See Campus Shooting, Page 2

This special issue of the Centurion will focus entirely on the tragic shooting at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, also known as Virginia Tech. Inside this issue: AVirginia Tech Student Talks to Bucks Security on the Bucks Campus MySpace/FaceBook: The New Way to Communicate After Tragedy ACloser Look at Gun Control Laws Bucks Student Reactions to Campus Violence SGA Holds a Vigil for Virginia Tech Victims 2 Special Report - Virginia Tech Massacre Monday, April 23, 2007

Above: An image of ChoSeung-Hui taken from a package sent to NBC News containing, what NBC is calling, Cho’s manifesto. Courtesy of NBC

Below:Amap marking the location of Virginia Tech in relation to Bucks Campus Shooting Continued from Page 1 Charles Steger, Va. Governor Tim As a sign of respect, all classes Kaine, and President Bush and the have been cancelled for the rest of In the after math of the attacks a first lady, Laura Bush. Steger the week, and the buildings in lot of blame has been thrown at Vir- opened the memorial service and, which the shootings took place will ginia Tech. Many parents of stu- despite the controversy surround- be closed for the remainder of the dents are demanding answers ing his handling of the shooting, semester. regarding why the university was greeted with a 30 second After attending the services failed to promptly shut down the standing ovation from the crowd. many Virginia Tech students campus and warn students about President Bush, who gave a packed up their belongings to head the first shooting. lengthy speech, ended by saying home. Many leave to escape from “Not saying the second one “As you draw closer to your fami- the media and negative atmos- could’ve been prevented, but stu- lies in the coming days, I ask you to phere that is surrounding the cam- dents should have had some reach out to those who ache for sons pus. knowledge as to what was happen- and daughters who are never com- The effects of shootings have ing,” said Bucks student Elle Tom- ing home." been felt on both national and inter- linson, 21, nursing major from Following the combined hour national levels. Multiple universi- Levittown. long speeches, portraits of the vic- ties including Oklahoma, Texas Amemorial service for the fallen tims were raised. Among the faces and UCLAhave shut down classes victims was held at Virginia Tech hanging in the air were staff mem- for the week. on Tuesday April 17. Due to the bers Christopher James Bishop, South Korea also addressed the overwhelming number of atten- 35, who taught German at Virginia matter and, in a released statement dees, campus official moved the Tech and helped oversee an to CNN, expressed sympathy for event from the basketball arena to exchange program with a German the victim’s families and hopes that the college’s 70,000 seat football university, and Jocelyn Couture- the effects of this incident do not stadium. Nowak, a French instructor and the carry over into any racial discrimi- Among the speakers at the serv- head of the horticulture depart- nation. ice were, Virginia Tech President ment at Virginia Tech.

Bucks County Community College’s Student Newspaper

To receive the Centurion’s Email Addition: Senior Staff Register at www.Bucks-News.com and a .PDF version of the newspaper will be Editor-in-Chief News Kate McDermott delivered directly to your email box. Student Life Annas Mirza Janine Logue Entertainment Janine Logue Letter Policy Sports Ed Miller Managing Editor Letters should be limited to 300 words. They will be edited for spelling and malicious or libelous state- Kate McDermott Op-Ed Laura Irwin ments, and may be edited for space. Letters must be the original work of the writer and must be signed. Advising For identification purposes, letters must include the writer’s full name, address, and telephone num- Staff ber, although the address and telephone numbers will not be published. Students should include their Tony Rogers Assistant Editors: Andrew Sposato Send letters to: Centurion Marketing Andrew Sposato 275 Swamp Rd Newtown, PA18940 Official Member [email protected] 2006-2007 www.bucks-news.com/Letters to the Editor 215.968.8379 Monday, April 23, 2007 Special Report - Virginia Tech Massacre 3 VT Student Shares His Story CHRIS FRANKLIN was a shooting going on and that Centurion Staff something big was going down,” he said. “I didn’t know what to believe, Confusion. Heartache. Sorrow. but the e-mail told us to stay in our He has felt them all in the days fol- rooms.” And that is exactly what he lowing the shooting spree at Vir- and his roommate did. ginia Tech University on April After locking the doors and shut- 16th. Why? Well, maybe it is ting the windows, Hunt turned on because of the deaths of 33 of his fel- the television a few hours later. And low classmates and professors. that’s when the news broke. Maybe it is the panic he sensed “I didn’t understand how the while locked down in his dorm, death-toll for a domestic distur- wondering if the “hell-on-earth” bance went from a couple kids to would somehow find its way to 22…that’s when I knew the rumors him. Or maybe it is the thought that were true,” he said. he too could have been among the As Hunt and his roommate sat in dead. As his wary voice echoes over their room, preparing for the worst, the phone-line, the only thought the second round of the killing spree that seems to be on his mind is, had already gone underway. “thank God I’m alive.” The second shooting took place Cody Hunt still has trouble with in Norris Hall, where over 30 were the realization that he has been murdered before the shooter, a 23 amidst the pandemonium of the year-old English major named Cho largest school shooting in the histo- Seung-hui, took his own life. ry of the United States. An 18-year- It took place only a short distance old freshman at Virginia Tech and a from Hunt and his roommate’s graduate of Morrisville High dorm room. He heard screams and School, Hunt never saw much in the shouts that reminded him of “some- way of major historical events tak- thing out of a horror movie.” The ing place in his presence. sirens soon followed. At that point, “You don’t see much happening his only fear was that the gunman in Morrisville, so the shootings would try to come into their resi- were a big shock to me,” he said. dence hall. Hunt was relieved when On that Monday morning, the the news reported that Cho had shot first initial shots were fired around himself and was no longer a threat. 7:15 a.m. in West Ambler Johnston “I had met two of the girls who building, a co-ed dormitory that were killed…they lived one floor Former Morrisville High School, and current,Virginia Tech student Cody Hunt houses 895 students. Hunt lived up from me,” he said in a quiet Photo Courtesy: Cody Hunt two buildings over in “Slusher voice. Wing” when the first shooting took The whole experience has Hunt offered some advice… I would have tried to be a decent per- sands of students gathered on the place that killed two students. He brought a heavy dose of reality to Hunt loves music and took to son to him…but I don’t think it campus commons, known as the and his roommate were in their Hunt and to all college students. meeting new people by playing wouldn’t have made much of a dif- “Drillfield,” to hold a candlelight rooms at the time and remembered The idea that institutions of learn- bass guitar in various bands in the ference because I was told that he vigil for all who died. Hunt con- hearing the shots. Since there was a ing can be the sight of mass killings Blacksburg area. At first he had never talked- that he was a mute,” fessed that the emotions were “very lot of building going on in the area, is a concept that doesn’t sit well trouble meeting new people, but as Hunt said. intense.” Thousands of students they figured that it was just con- with us all. the year progressed he made many Even though the devastation of gathered to mourn and come struction work. Soon after, Hunt As for the killer, Hunt had mixed new friends. He said that he under- the experience has not fully set in together as a college. received an e-mail that a “domestic feelings about him. Many reports stood how Cho felt and suggested for many, Hunt and many of the Vir- “I will never forget this for the rest disturbance” had occurred. How- have been released regarding the that he should have joined some ginia Tech students have been of my life, but I hope that people ever, something didn’t feel right mental health of Cho, but all con- clubs and made some attempts to quick to start the healing process don’t always associate this univer- and Hunt began to hear rumors cir- clude that he was a typical outcast meet people like himself. and get through the experience. sity with tragedy…we’re above culating. and a loner. “I had never met him, but if I had, On Tuesday, April 17th, thou- and beyond that.” “People were saying that there Instead of initially lashing out, Centurion Exclusive: Interview with a VT student.

VT students gather outside as the campus is evacuated Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia.com 4 Special Report - Virginia Tech Massacre Monday, April 23, 2007 Struggling to Understand

AMANDA CARDEN ment.” REBECCA FAUCETTE For many Bucks students security isn’t- BLAIR SHUPE the main issue. The fact that someone can be Centurion Staff evil enough kill so many people is what wor- ries them. As Bucks students and faculty struggled Shaina Harris, 21, a communications to understand how the massacre at Virginia Major, said, “I think it is ridiculous. How tech could have happened, many said they can a person kill 32 people? I don’t feel any felt unsafe and were outraged by the lack of safer here than I would at a major college.” security on the VTcampus. Harris also said that she would like to "It is messed up, security should have- seestricter gun laws in place. been more tight," said John Nussbaum, 19, “Cho Seung-Hui checked into a mental- liberal arts major. hospital two years prior to the shooting. Students were told to stay in their dormi- Why didn’t it show up when he bought tories or classrooms. Students were thegun,” asked Natasha Demer, 22, anoth- informed that there was a shooter on cam- er Bucks student. pus by email, and many students didn’t hear Worried parents, friends and family- about it until after the shootings had already members were forced to wait to hear happened. Many college students and fac- fromtheir loved ones who were on campus ulty from all over the country are reconsid- when the shootings occurred. ering campus emergency procedures. Since students from all over the Kathy Webb, a professor in the math, sci- U.S.attend VT, the tragedy affected fami- ence and technology department said, lies all over the country. “Thereality is that it can happen anywhere.” “Global warming isn’t going to end us. When asked about a possible emergency- We are going to end ourselves,” said Margy Bucks students sign cards for the victims of the VT shootings. plan for Bucks, she said she didn’t think Matarazzo, 19, a Bucks bookstore worker. Photo by: Asa Carr wehave one. “The biggest problem here “Where was security when they heard a gun isthere is no way to get information broad- shot? We can’t control guns because if peo- casted. ple want guns they will find a way to get There was a suggestion post 9/11 to them anyway. Everyone is going insane, install a warning siren, but it never went Bucks Supports, slowly but surely.” through.” In the two hours in between the shoot- On the other hand, Jean Dolan, the assis- ingsCho mailed a letter to NBC news con- tant director for public relations, said her taining a video explanation for the mas- initial reaction was shock. “We do have ane- sacre. mergency communication plan to notify “I think he had too much time to plan Mourns With VT the campus in event of a shooting act. what he did,” said Nick Keenan, 20, a gen- Thereis also an evacuation plan for students eral education major. “It is too easy for any- and faculty. The campus also has close ties one to do what this man did.” ASA JAMES CARR As part of the service, Bucks students with the nearby Newtown fire depart- Centurion Staff received the chance to write heart-filled mes- sage for VTstudents. Flags hung at half-mast as Bucks students These messages were to be mailed to the gathered for a memorial service for the vic- Virginia Tech university relations depart- tims of the Virginia Tech massacre. ment. The impact of the shootings was felt- Karen Marks, 21, an art major from New- throughout the nation, as support from many town, was among the many eager students universities continued to pour in to Virginia who seized the opportunity to express their Tech. sympathy for the fallen victims and their fam- Buck was among the schools showing sup- ilies. port, as students held a memorial service on "It’s such a tragedy what that university has- Thursday in the Quad. gone through. It might only seem like a "We might not have been directly impacted smallgesture, but sending these messages by the shootings, but we are still feeling the gives students a chance to do something pos- pain of those who have died and lost loved itive during such a dark time." ones. It feels nice to have an opportunity to The opportunity to pay respect and support- reflect and pay our respect to the victims and for VTwas a gift that many attendees did not- their families,” said Bucks student Taj Carr, take lightly. Bucks students used this time to 20, liberal arts major from Levittown. personally reflect on their own situations Matt Cipriano, the director of student life, andlives. opened the event with a short but heartfelt- "It gives you a new perspective on life. It's speech. Cipriano expressed compassion for ascary concept to think that it could've hap- the VT students, but also urged them to penon this campus, then they would've been remain strong during what has become one the ones holding a service for us. If there's one of the deadliest events in US history. thing I’m taking away from this, is to live life "It’s a tragic event that occurred and all I can to the fullest cause at any time it’s could be hope for is that everything turns out fine for over," said James Lofton, 22, sports manage- the families and those impacted by this hor- ment major from Southampton rific ordeal." Bucks is taking every possible measure to Cipriano also used the time to reassure cur- help show support for both VTand it's own stu- rent Bucks students that their safety was not dents. in jeopardy, but any concerns or improve- Along with the memorial service, Bucks ments they felt could benefit the college also set-up a counseling service for stu- should be suggested to the Bucks security dentswho have been directly affected or are- office. having difficulties coping with this tragedy. Before ending the speech, Cipriano asked Anyone in need of the counseling or wish- the surrounding students and faculty to ing to send a message can contact the Showing respect for the victims at Virginia Tech, Bucks flew their flag at half-mast. accompany him in a moment of silence for the BucksStudent Life office at (215) 968-8257. Photo by: Asa Carr victims. Monday, April 23, 2007 Special Report - Virginia Tech Massacre 5 A Story Told in Pictures

KELLI CRONMILLER Centurion Staff

Whomever coined the phrase “a pic- ture is worth a thousand words” couldn't have anticipated how correct they were, when looking at the pictures surfacing all over the news and internet of the shoot- ings at Virginia Tech. In addition to all the photos surround- ing the event, there were several videos, both from media crewsand students who were on campus during the massacre. A student at VT, Jamal Albarghouti, was so close to the events asthey were unfolding that he captured a brief video on his cell phone in which one can hear shots beingfired. Every one of the more than 20 shots can be heard. One picture clearly depicts the chaos on campus. It shows the police, in full protective gear, sprinting across the campus tryingto get control over the sit- uation. The rest of the background is what seems to be a quiet and deserted place. None of the videos or pictures areas scary or vivid as the package Cho sent to NBC news, during the hours between the two shootings on campus. The package contained a lengthyvideo of Cho explaining why he was doing what he did. He pushedblame, made accusations andwaved around guns. Some of the pic- tures can be found on the internet. They are mostly of Cho aimingguns at the camera, but there is also one of him wielding a hammer. Clips of the video were shown on NBC news, adding to theshock of the massacre. VT held a memorial at the campus football field. A picture shown on the front page of the CollegiateTimes, VT’s student newspaper, isof students gath- ered in a circle holding hands. This picture shows just aportion of the grief and shock felt around campus for the students and teachers lost. The chaos has ended, but the videos, pictures and memories of the most hor- rific school shooting in history will Students huddle in a classroom during the “Lockdown” remain forever. Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia.com A Closer Look at Gun Laws

MARK BENNETT worse than Virginia, scoring a dis- period that would allow someone assault rifle, they are required to That’s not the case in Virginia. Centurion Staff appointing D+. to cool off and calm down before undergo a background check, no There a 12-year-old child can After comparing the different buying a gun. matter where the purchase occurs. walk into a gun shop, purchase a The Virginia Tech massacre left state gun laws, many are left with a In the Virginia Tech massacre, Also, each person is run through shotgun, rifle or assault rife with- many wondering whether sense that gun laws are too weak. however, both guns used in the a state and federal database when out a parent being present, and tougher gun laws could have pre- For instance, when buying a shootings were bought weeks thebackground check is conduct- without a background check or a vented such a tragedy. firearm in Virginia, there is prior to the slaughter. ed, preventing criminals and oth- waiting period. “Virginia gun laws are some of absolutely no waiting period Another loophole in Virginia is ersdeemed dangerous from own- Virginia is popular for hunt- the weakest state laws in the coun- fromwhen you purchase the gun that no permit is required to carry a ing weapons. ing,and the legal hunting age is 12. try,” Josh Horwitz, the execu- to when you receive it, greatly concealed weapon, and no back- Pennsylvania requires more Many parents find that hunting tivedirector of the Coalition to increasing the chances of passion ground check is required to sell licensing as to gun ownership with their children is a great way Stop Gun Violence, told The New shootings, which are defined as weapons in private dealings or in thanVirginia. to bond with them, but should a YorkTimes. when the shooter recently has gun shows, which are frequently For example, a permit is issued child of grammar school age be According to www.handgun- some sort of argument with a per- used by hunters and collectors to to allow someone to carry a con- able to purchase a gun? control.org, Virginia current- son(s), goes and buys a gun and access slightly used guns at much cealed firearm, child safety locks But guns are not always bought lyrates a C- on its gun control immediately kills them. cheaper prices. are put on all guns before they are legally. lawswhen compared to the other The waiting period of three to There are no limits on the sold, children under the age of 18 And once someone is deter- states across the country. five days t hat both Virginia and amountof ammunition that some- cannot possess guns without mined enough to kill, there may be And in what may come to a shock Pennsylvania used torequire are one canbuy in either state. parental consent and people under very little that can be done to stop to many at students Bucks is that no longer in effect. In Pennsylvania, if someone the age of 18 cannot purchase them. Pennsylvania actually rated In other words, there is no time buys a pistol, assault pistol or guns. 6 Special Report - Virginia Tech Massacre Monday, April 23, 2007 Mourners Turn to Internet In the aftermath of tragedy, students turn to websites such as Myspace and Facebook to say their farewells. LAURA IRWIN okay.” us...... xoxoxoxoxo I promise I'll Earth, especially within the minds Centurion Staff And— take care of your sister and mom. of troubled people, that such an act “Max, I hope you're feeling bet- xoxo.” never happen again.” The massacre at Virginia Tech ter And— Since this was a college shoot- prompted students, and millions today, up there in Heaven or “Rossmo, I love you with all my ing, the fact that myspace and face- Max, Christine of other myspace and facebook wherever you are. I don't know heart. My one regret is that I never book were immediate points of “ site subscribers, to log on and alert what to say, but I'll miss you, and I actually told you that.” interest was not surprising. These just called me and one another, spread information, just hope that you knew how Each heart-wrenching message sites specifically target college- said you were and share reactions. important you were to all of us. was out there for the world to read aged students, so who better to The immediate response system Everybody loved you; I know they and share in the pain—and the break the news of a nightmare on one of the people during the tragedy was not campus did. I love you and still can't world did. campus than those who are wit- who got hurt real officials, but internet jockeys — believe you're gone. You were a On groups created by members nessing it? And where better to logged on, blogging and emailing. real success. Just 2 weeks from of different colleges, nationalities print the information than the sites bad. Please call The use of cell phones and com- graduation - you did so well for and organizations, message used by those witnesses? me and let me puters to share information quick- yourself. I'm so proud of you, and boards united the logged-on. They “It's hard to believe someone ly surpassed any other method of I'm sorry this had to happen to shared prayers, thoughts and feel- could do this. I look at my life and know you are bonding for those in search for you.” ings. when times are hard they still okay. answers. Similar messages appeared on “I have a few friends that attend- aren’t bad enough to do that. I have Since the massacre at VT, more the profile of 20-year-old victim, ed Virginia Tech and after hours of no relation to anyone affected in than 500 groups have appeared on Ross Alameddine. panic and frustrations at the inabil- this tragedy, other than the fact that facebook to support and counsel “If only you were here to read ity to get a hold of them my heart I am a college student; I went to a grieving and shocked peers. Many this Ross...You'd know what an began to crack. In honor of those High School that had gun threats myspace and facebook profile imaginative, intelligent, compas- students who lost their lives, were frequently and was on lock down. ” pictures have been changed to sionate and most of all hysterical- injured, VT students, and friends My prayers are with each and black ribbons with the letters ly funny human being you were, across the US who have friends at every person affected yesterday.” “VT” in the school’s colors. and how appreciative I am to have VTand at a request of a new found And— On the profile of victim Maxine spent last summer working with VT friend, please show your sup- “My thoughts and prayers go out My baby cousin... Turner, comments were posted in such a great kid. My every thought port by wearing Orange and to all of u at VT. My friend goes “ I LOVE you with search of the student, only too late. is with you and your family.” Maroon today. No matter where there and I wasn't able to get in con- “We just want to know that you And— you live or what school you go to tact w/her until late last night and ALL MY HEART... I are okay. Please call us. Tom and “Ross man you will be missed let’s come together and show our she's ok, but her roommate was MISS YOU... you Lesley.” by me and everyone who knew support. Thank you.” shot when she was in her French Or— you, and I want to let you know my And— class. She is ok and was released will always be "my “MAXXXXX-please call heart is with you and your family “I am deeply saddened by these yesterday.” little man" and my us!!!” man, Love you.” careless inhumane acts of atroci- To view or share your thoughts Once the news was broken, the And— ty and my thoughts and prayers or feelings on myspace or face- "first baby"..... messages changed. “My baby cousin...I LOVE you rest with all the families affected book, you need to be a member. To watch over all of “Max, Christine just called me with ALL MY HEART...I MISS by this awful, awful time. I only sign up all you need is a valid email and said you were one of the peo- YOU...you will always be "my lit- wish that someday peace can be address and the willingness to us...... xoxoxox- ple who got hurt real bad. Please tle man" and my "first found in restless minds, not result- share your information with the oxo I promise I'll call me and let me know you are baby".....watch over all of ing in violence.I pray for peace on world waiting to read it. take care of your sister and mom. ” I only“ wish that someday peace can be found in restless minds, not resulting in violence.I pray for peace on Earth, especially within the minds of trou- bled people, that such an act never happen again.

Above: Students use the Internet to seek each other out. Right:Some of the many posting made on internet blog sites regarding the Virginia Tech shooting. ” Monday, April 23, 2007 Special Report - Virginia Tech Massacre 7 Security on Campus JEN COOK dures, as well as the attendant com- TODD MILLER munications plan and protocols. Centurion Staff Second, we are reviewing our pro- cedures for dealing with students Bucks officials said they were who demonstrate unsettling char- reevaluating campus security acteristics,” the statement read in plans in the wake of the Virginia part. tech massacre, but added there’s Linksz affirmed that this is a con- only so much the college can do to tinuous process, and never some- prevent such a tragedy. thing that can be set in stone. According to Bucks President “We learn by the unfortunate cir- Dr. James Linksz, the campus is dif- cumstances at other schools. In ficult to entirely control at any light of them, we look for ways to given moment. improve our own campus.” “Students areeverywhere at all Annette Conn, the academic times, which makes it difficult to dean at Bucks, agrees with Linksz inform all individuals. There are in that “hindsight is always 20/20.” lots of ways to get on campus, But Conn said she believes the which poses a great challenge with massacre could have been prevent- monitoring oncomers,” he said. ed ifschool officials had erred on In response to the horrendous the side of caution. event at VT, Linksz expressed con- Conn was thankfulthat nothing dolences to all individuals affected of this sort has ever occurred at by the tragedy. He believes that Bucks. because of the random nature of the “We’ve been very fortunate,” shootings, they probably could not Conn said. “Aside from a few- have been prevented. break-ins, we’ve been quite “If students were closed-in, dif- lucky.” ferent individuals may have been Conn and Linksz both said the killed, but it most likely would still VTtragedy has prompted a review have happened.” of things like patrolling, lighting, all dorms and resident halls. Like students other outlets for problems as VT, is to call the Newtown police On Friday a statement from and other components that can other schools, Bucks has had a they may face. No one, besides and assess the situation. Linksz was sent to Bucks faculty. contribute to a safer college. campus emergency plan in place security, is here 24 hours a day, Lloyd also thinks that a campus- In it he said security will be re-eval- Already in place are survival kits since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but seven days a week. wide intercom system would be a uated. on campus, 24-hour security, and does not require student identifica- Chris Lloyd, head of security at great improvement to the college’s “The Deans’ Council, presi- on-going committee meetings to tion to come on campus. Why not? Bucks, said no drastic changes security.plan. He said, “It would be dent’s Staff, and various offices on improve safety. “Because there are so many ways have taken place since the VT a quickand easy way to get the word campus have begun a bottom–up Temple University is requiring to get on campus, a gate-keeper shootings, but that he does consid- out.” review of our policies, procedures, each student to have an ID in order- system would not be effective. Peo- er the college’s emergency plan to Although many agree that handbooks, and processes to deter- to enter any building including- ple can enter our campus by foot- be up-to-date and effective. Bucks’open-campus makes it vir- mine how best to sharpen our edge. dorms, classrooms, and the cafete- through Tyler State Park,” Linksz Lloyd urged students to report tually impossible to be a gated- This review is focusing in two ria. said. anything anything suspicious on community, it is also agreed that major areas. First we are reviewing West Chester also requests On a positive note, the fact that campus. The standard protocol at improvements can always be made our emergency plan and proce- IDcards from students to get into Bucks does not have dorms allows Bucks, if ever in a similar situation to ensure a safer place. CENTURION SPECIAL April 23, 2006 Bucks Counselors Here to Help ART SHKOLNIK unusual irritability and sporadic, Tech showed genuine concern for ther their education after a hiatus. multitude of troubles. Centurion Staff inappropriate, social behavior. the student, and suggested he seek Some work, or have children, “Students hear counseling and But can tragedies such as the ram- counseling, yet never quite fol- and keeping a level head may they think we deal solely with psy- The shooting at Virginia Tech page at Virginia Tech be averted? lowed up on the disturbed student’s sometimes seem to be an exercise chosis,” Gilligan continued. “If a was a tragedy, and the most tragic “It’s possible,” said Gilligan. mental health. in futility, juggling multiple mat- student is uncertain about their part about the incident is the many “Cases like these need to be dealt Being a college student isn’t ters with a single free hand. career future, or is looking for help follow up questions that grief rid- with on an individual basis. always easy, particularly on a cam- Luckily, the counseling center at obtaining a job, they should feel den survivors are left asking. Motives may range from depres- pus with as much diversity as Bucks offers a helping hand to any free to see a counselor.” What drives a person to go on sion and anger to psychosis; the Bucks. student who may feel over- If a student is looking for help to such a rampage? bottom line is to prevent it before it whelmed at the prospect of a trans- ease the transfer process, is con- Could it have been prevented? happens.” fer, a career, personal problems, or fronting personal plight or just Did the school do everything it Gilligan also suggested that even an upcoming test. needs somebody to talk to, they could? counselors can offer help beyond There are two part-time coun- should also see a counselor. Very little information is cur- the reach of peers. Students hear selors as well as two full-time “We assist students with their rently available about the gunman. Besides discussing the problem counseling“ and they counselors, in order to ease the courses, study skills and time He has been described as a lone and helping to chop it down at its think we deal solely appointment process. management. All you need to do wolf who sequestered himself roots, counselors can offer outside All meetings are free and com- is schedule a meeting; we are here from others, and became increas- assistance, such as medication and with psychosis pletely confidential, meaning if to help,” Gilligan said. ingly violent with the passing of safe havens such as hospitals, you wish to keep your identity pri- The path of destruction paved at time. It was also speculated that he depending on the severity of the JIM GILLIGAN vate they are obliged to do so. Virginia Tech has shocked us all, may have been taking medication problem. COUNSELOR The center tries to make all and the results beg the question: for depression. “If a person is a danger to them- appointments within a week of a could preventative measures have Jim Gilligan, a counselor at selves or others, it would probably student’s inquiry. been taken? Bucks spoke briefly about the be best to have them admitted to a “Of course if a student is facing a To make an appointment with a events and suggested that there hospital for treatment and even crisis we will see them immediate- counselor, call 215-968-8182. may be a few warning signs that small possibilities should be con- There are students fresh out of ly,” said Gilligan. The counseling center also has a could indicate destructive tenden- sidered as potentially problemat- high school,” some working Gilligan has been counseling at website address at cies, and might warrant notice. ic,” said Gilligan. towards a degree, others testing the Bucks for nearly two years now, http://www.bucks.edu/advis- A sudden change in behavior is The faculty and staff at Virginia waters and many returning to fur- and has helped students with a ing/CounselingServices.html. something to look for, including

The Virginia Tech Campus Photo Courtesy by Wikipedia.com Don’t Use Video Games as Scapegoats

LAURA IRWIN lifestyle. For example, video can handle. The killer has seen think so. The insane don’t know they are Centurion Staff games, movies and media. images of death and violence as The rampaging bloodbaths that insane. But I, for one, do not think that much as the rest of us, but there is cover our front pages and litter plot It is the responsibility of the sane Along with everyone else glued a marathon of “Halo 2” will lead something inside a killer that lines stem from reality, not fiction. to do something when the potential to the TV screen, websites and to undeniable urges to purchase a makes him a killer; it is based What puts the ideas of hate and for violence is evident within newspapers awaiting more infor- handgun. I do not think owning internally. anger into video games and someone. mation on the murderous rampage “ReservoirDogs” means you have We live in a world where the idea movies are the very real human Again, it can happen anywhere, at Virginia Tech, I am aghast at the any tendencies toward going on a of one’s rights is constantly ques- emotions of hate and anger. it can happen to anyone. scenario that played out on an killing spree. Reporters, like me, tioned. Some people can deal with it, and More security and less privilege other wis e everyday location. It putting the news out there for all to Will limiting the creation of vio- unfortunately, some cannot. Ban- will not stop someone with an out- can happen anywhere, it can hap- see, are not responsible for creat- lence-based movies and video ning people from playing of-control inclination to violence pen to anyone, and why? ing copy-cats. games stop the violence? Will pre- “Counter Strike” or from watch- from fulfilling their need to hurt. Sometimes the predisposition to The killer is insane. The killer is tending that human beings do ing “The Departed” will not con- The history of murder and hate commit horrific acts is blamed on unable to handle a normal and not hold the potential for car- trol humanity’s potential to create and violence began thousands of many aspects of our generation’s healthy lifestyle that the rest of us nage stop the violence? I don’t violence. years before Playstation.