• Abstract and Figures
• Public Full-text

VirginiaTech may 2007 magazine memorial issue We will prevail. We are Virginia Tech. “We will continue to invent the future through our blood and tears and through all our sadness.” University Distinguished Professor Nikki Giovanni JOHN MCCORMICK by Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger ’69 On the morning of April 16, 2007, this campus experi- months ahead as we undertake an open, sincere, and thorough enced acts of horror so unspeakable and unimaginable that, analysis of all that has happened. We must learn from our even now, our minds cannot fully grasp them. The shooting experience and share our findings with the world to benefit the tragedy that occured has nonetheless irrevocably changed both national discourse sparked by this tragedy—dialogue about our university and our nation. laws, policies, protocols, and privacy and other issues. I have Equally hard to imagine are the depths of profound and confidence that our review, as well as the commissions formed by limitless sorrow felt by all members of the university commu- both Gov. Tim Kaine and President George W. Bush, will yield nity, particularly the families, friends, colleagues, and class- answers that will benefit both Virginia Tech and society at large. mates of those who died here that day. They have lost sons, How will we move ahead? By relying on the spirit that the daughters, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, friends, class- world has seen so clearly in the weeks since the tragedy, a sense mates, and professors in a sudden and senseless act of horrific of family that is virtually unheard of on other large campuses, a violence, and they must learn to live with agonizing absences tie that binds Hokies new and old, here in Blacksburg or around that will never be filled. the globe. That intangible Hokie spirit holds us together and will As a part of the larger Hokie family, we grieve alongside help us to survive and, in time, surmount this terrible tragedy. In them, our hearts filled with sadness and sympathy. But no the shelter of that spirit, we have found solace in one another’s matter how painful our memories, we must forget neither company, and even in the dark days that have followed April 16, those lost innocents nor the loved ones they left behind. This we have rallied around our shared need to heal and have taken issue of Virginia Tech Magazine is dedicated to the victims of our first tentative steps together on the road to recovery and our April 16. path toward the future. In the aftermath of such tragedy, it is difficult to determine We at Virginia Tech form a special family, one defined not when it will be time to move ahead and how we will do so. Yet by a single tragic event but by our storied past, a community not even as I write, I see that our campus sidewalks are crowded frozen in the present but poised to invent our future. The events with those who have come to mourn and those who are here of April 16 have changed us, to be sure, but they have not—and to learn. Students and faculty are back in their classrooms and will not—set us back. Today, we are pressing ahead with a re- their studies are important because teaching and learning are newed commitment to the university, a deeper understanding of at the heart of this university and will be the foundation of its the quality and depth of its character, and a steadfast resolve to recovery. excel so that we may honor the memory of those we have lost. My hope is that we will all learn much in the days and We will prevail. We are Virginia Tech. MEMORIAL ISSUE Virginia Tech Magazine Vol. 29, No. 3 How best to memorialize the horrific events that took place on April 16, Editor edu . Sherry Bithell 2007? By showing the nation and the world what “Hokie spirit” really means. t .v e Assistant Editor Juliet Crichton Nowhere is this sentiment better expressed than in the comments made Graphic Designers by internationally known poet and Professor of English Nikki Giovanni at the Glen Duncan vtmagazin . David Stanley ’95 April 17 convocation memorializing the victims of the tragedy. After heartfelt w Copy Editor ww Richard Lovegrove and moving comments from several speakers—including President George W. Website Manager Bush, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, and President Charles W. Steger—Giovanni took Juliet Crichton Photographers her place behind the podium at Cassell Coliseum for a final tribute. There was Josh Armstrong Rick Griffiths ’78 fire in her voice and in her eyes, and her closing remarks moved a nation: “We Michael Kiernan John McCormick will prevail. We will prevail. We will prevail. We are Virginia Tech.” Business Manager Giovanni’s words were met with thundering applause and a standing ovation. Paula Vaught Alumni Notes And then, entirely unexpectedly, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents alike Shirley Fleet Associate Vice President began chanting, “Let’s go, Hokies!” until their voices rang through the rafters of for University Relations Larry Hincker ’72, M.B.A. ’94 Cassell. That spontaneous outburst embodies the university’s indomitable will Director of and strength of character. University Publications Clara B. Cox M.A. ’84 Today, the university’s tagline, “Invent the future,” is more applicable than ever. Now that the name of our beloved university has found its way into the Virginia Tech Magazine (ISSN 0274- 9904) is published four times a year (fall, winter, spring, and summer) by Virginia history books in the most macabre manner possible, Virginia Tech must move Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061. Periodical postage is paid at Blacksburg, Va., and at additional forward, keeping its Hokie spirit alive for the victims, survivors, and their offices. Address changes and circulation inqui- ries should be mailed to the Virginia Tech families. This Memorial Issue of Virginia Tech Magazine remembers those who Alumni Association, Holtzman Alumni Center (0102), Blacksburg, VA 24061, or were lost to us on April 16; presents some of the overwhelming support given to sent via e-mail to [email protected]. Alumni notes should be mailed to Alumni Notes, Virginia Tech Alumni As- the university from around the world; and showcases the fortitude, resolve, and sociation, Holtzman Alumni Center (0102), Blacksburg, VA 24061, or sent via e-mail to [email protected]. courage of the Hokie Nation. Editorial inquiries, letters to the editor, and other comments should be mailed to Editor, Virginia Tech Magazine, 105-A Media Building (0109), Blacksburg, VA 24061, or sent by e-mail to [email protected]. Postmaster: If undeliverable, please send form 3579 to the Virginia Tech Alumni Association, P.O. Box 500, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24063. Do not return publication. Virginia Tech Magazine is produced by the Office of University Relations. Support from the Virginia Tech Foundation under- 2 - In memorium | 18 - Convocation remarks | 26 - We will prevail (photo essay) writes some production costs. The Virginia Tech Alumni Association provided additional 38 - Today, we are all Hokies | 46 - The world now knows Virginia Tech support for this issue. 48 - Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund | 49 - 4.16.07 Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, dis- ability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation. Anyone having questions concerning discrimi- nation should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity. Cover: VT ribbon logo by David Stanley ’95, words excerpted from Convocation remarks by Nikki Giovanni (see page 25). In memorium Ross Alameddine Virginia Tech University Studies sophomore Ross Al- ameddine recently declared a major in English and minors in French and business, fields that reflected his creativity and his Christopher James “Jamie” Bishop computer knowledge. Jamie Bishop, devoted son, gentle colleague, and gener- He was the son of Lynnette Alameddine and Dr. Abdal- ous friend, died at the age of 35 while teaching introduc- lah Alameddine and brother of Yvonne Alameddine. From tory German. Although his Saugus, Mass., formerly of Melrose, Mass., Ross was a 2005 courses were legendarily rigorous, graduate of Austin Preparatory School. “Herr Bishop” was popular with Ross enjoyed computer games and played them com- students because he always gave petitively. He beta-tested well-known games and even sold them whatever individual atten- online characters. Before coming tion they needed to succeed. Jamie to Virginia Tech, he worked as a was a fun-loving but no-nonsense home-computer repair specialist. man, easy-going but passionate Whether between classes about the environment, nature, or on nice days, Ross enjoyed art, and teaching. rollerblading. He adored mov- Jamie joined the Department ies and music, played piano, and of Foreign Languages and Litera- sang at Austin. Ross’s fondness tures as an instructor in 2005 and was also an instructor in for language and voicing strong the Faculty Development Institute. opinions was manifested through He had a reputation as a techno guru and a passionate active participation in the French and gifted photographer. His art vibrantly captures the inten- and Debate clubs at Austin. sity with which he viewed the world and the beauty he found The above qualities developed there. Jamie also designed book jacket covers and created on Ross’s journey through college. English instructor Brent multimedia science fiction art. He had planned to enter the Stevens writes, “He talked about his life, his emotions, his B.F.A. program at Virginia Tech in fall 2007 to study graphic deep insights. He put himself out there in front of 35 art. people, most of whom he did not know, .

Load more

  52

Copy Link