32 killed in Virginia Tech massacre
<i>200 miles away, Duke students hold vigil, admins offer support</i>
By: Anna Lieth
Posted: 4/17/07
After violent shootings shook students and administrators on Virginia Tech's campus Monday, members of the Duke community gathered last night to mourn and come to terms with the tragic events of the day.
Just 200 miles southeast of Virginia Tech's home in Blacksburg, Va., Duke students said the news sent a shock wave through the campus. For some, the shock was followed by fear for friends and loved ones in Virginia, but for others fear was displaced by disbelief and worry that a similar event could take place at the campus they call home.
And for one group of students, the natural response to the news was to pray. About 30 students gathered on the steps of the Duke Chapel for an emotional vigil and prayer session for the victims of the shooting, their respective families and the gunman Monday night.
"[The vigil is] not just to console people, but also to know that there is a community that is here to support people and that as a community we need to act together," said sophomore Ashley Dunfee, who attended the event. "We have a root that we act from and that ultimately should be the source of what we do and where we're going."
President Richard Brodhead, in a statement released to The Chronicle, recognized the magnitude of the events at Virginia Tech and emphasized efforts the University is making to reach out to members of both the Virginia Tech and Duke communities who were affected by the tragedy.
"This is the deadliest campus shooting in United States history and a profoundly sad day for everyone directly affected-and the nation as a whole," Brodhead said. "On behalf of the entire Duke community, I express my condolences to those who are grieving at Virginia Tech. They are enduring a time of unspeakable loss this evening."
John Burness, senior vice president for government affairs and public relations, said Brodhead also reached out following news of the event to Charles Steger, Virginia Tech's president, to offer his sympathies.
Brodhead said the University is working to provide support for students on Duke's campus who have been personally affected.
"Student Affairs is in the process of trying to identify every Duke student with Virginia Tech connections and to make personal contact and to offer counseling," he said. "Our Religious Life staff is also available for counseling and the Duke Chapel will be open as always for those who wish to seek a quiet place to reflect."
The Duke Chapel and the Duke Religious Life staff have organized an interfaith prayer vigil to be held on the Chapel steps at 2 p.m. today.
"This vigil is a small gesture at being in solidarity with those in Blacksburg," Craig Kocher, assistant dean of the Chapel and director of religious life, wrote in an e-mail to the student body last night.
Kocher said the vigil will include a time of silence followed by prayer and a bell toll for each person who died yesterday and will conclude with an open session for students to speak about the experience. Virginia Tech will be hosting a similar event on its campus simultaneously, Kocher said.
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Original Source: <a href=http://media.www.dukechronicle.com/media/storage/paper884/news/2007/04/17/News/32.Killed.In.Virginia.Tech.Massacre-2846222.shtml> Duke Chronicle - April 17, 2007</a>
Anna Lieth
Duke Chronicle
2007-06-24
Sara Hood
David Graham <david.graham@duke.edu>
eng
A Commemoration
A line of candles is lighted during Virginia Tech's vigil.
Original source: <a href=" http://www.flickr.com/photos/nrbelex/471660837/in/set-72157594337837752/"> http://www.flickr.com/photos/nrbelex/471660837/in/set-72157594337837752/</a>
Licensed under <a href=" http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0</a>
Brett Weinstein
2007-05-29
Chad Newswander
Permission
Brett Weinstein
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nrbelex/471660837/in/set-72157594337837752/
Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0
eng
A Prayer for Virginia Tech
Students at Oklahoma State University pray for the victims.
Original source: <a href=" http://www.flickr.com/photos/lizphotoart/464802685/"> http://www.flickr.com/photos/lizphotoart/464802685/</a>
Licensed under <a href=" http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommerical 2.0</a>
Elizabeth Padawer
2007-05-30
Chad Newswander
Permission:
Elizabeth Padawer
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommerical 2.0
eng
A State United
Gary Phibbs
2007-05-09
Gary Phibbs
eng
A Vigil for NIU
Two students participate in a Virginia Tech vigil for NIU. Photo taken Monday, February 18, 2008.
Licensed under <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0</a>.
Brent Jesiek
2008-02-18
Brent Jesiek
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0
eng
ASU Virginia Tech Vigil
Arizona State University students gather for a candelight vigil to honor and remember the students affected by the Virginia Tech tragedy.
Original source: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8085403@N04/481123094/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/8085403@N04/481123094/</a>
Photo courtesy of Bettina Hansen
Bettina Hansen
2007-06-08
Chad Newswander
Permission:
Bettina Hansen
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8085403@N04/481123094/
eng
At The Vigil
2007.04.17.
People at the candlelight vigil.
Photo courtesy of Ivan V. Morozov
Ivan V. Morozov
2007-09-04
Haeyong Chung
eng
At The Vigil
2007.04.17.
A view of the crowd that had gathered at the candlelight vigil on the Drill Field of the Virginia Tech.
Photo courtesy of Ivan V. Morozov
Ivan V. Morozov
2007-09-04
Haeyong Chung
eng
At The Vigil
2007.04.17.
A kid holding a lit candle at the candlelight vigil on the Virginia Tech campus.
Photo courtesy of Ivan V. Morozov
Ivan V. Morozov
2007-09-04
Haeyong Chung
eng
At The Vigil
2007.04.17.
A view of the crowd at the candlelight vigil on the Drill Field of the Virginia Tech campus.
Photo courtesy
of Ivan V. Morozov
Ivan V. Morozov
2007-09-05
Haeyong Chung
eng
At The Vigil
2007.04.17.
A view of the crowd at the candlelight vigil on the Drill Field of the Virginia Tech campus.
Photo courtesy of Ivan V. Morozov
Ivan V. Morozov
2007-09-05
Haeyong Chung
eng
At The Vigil
2007.04.17.
Crowd is gathering in front of Burruss Hall following the candlelight vigil. Norris Hall, the place of the second shooting on the morning of the previous day is just to the right of this building...
Photo courtesy of Ivan V. Morozov
Ivan V. Morozov
2007-09-05
Haeyong Chung
eng
At The Vigil
2007.04.17.
Virginia Tech students on the steps of Burruss Hall following the candlelight vigil.
Photo courtesy of Ivan V. Morozov
Ivan V. Morozov
2007-09-05
Haeyong Chung
eng
At The Vigil
2007.04.17.
Members of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority on the steps of Burruss Hall following the candlelight vigil.
Photo courtesy of Ivan V. Morozov
Ivan V. Morozov
2007-09-06
Haeyong Chung
eng
At The Vigil
2007.04.17.
Virginia Tech students on the steps of Burruss Hall...
Photo courtesy of Ivan V. Morozov
Ivan V. Morozov
2007-09-06
Haeyong Chung
eng
Cal Poly Vigil for Virginia Tech
Although many miles away, we at California Polytechnic State University feel the pain and sorrow for all of our fellow peers at Virginia Tech.
Our thoughts and prayers were for you and your families during this candlelight vigil held on 18 April 2007.
Original source: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/inferno10/464835500/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/inferno10/464835500/</a>
Photo Courtesy of Jason Ozaeta
Jason Ozaeta
2007-06-08
Chad Newswander
Permission:
Jason Ozaeta
www.flickr.com/photos/inferno10/464835500/
eng
Cal Poly Vigil for Virginia Tech
Although many miles away, we at California Polytechnic State University feel the pain and sorrow for all of our fellow peers at Virginia Tech.
Our thoughts and well-wishes were being added to a poster that we hope you will accept. This humble offering comes from fellow college students.
Original source: <a href=" http://www.flickr.com/photos/inferno10/464844899/"> http://www.flickr.com/photos/inferno10/464844899/</a>
Photo Courtesy of Jason Ozaeta
Jason Ozaeta
2007-06-08
Chad Newswander
Permission:
Jason Ozaeta
http://www.flickr.com/photos/inferno10/464844899/
eng
Cal Poly Vigil for Virginia Tech
Although many miles away, we at California Polytechnic State University feel the pain and sorrow for all of our fellow peers at Virginia Tech.
Our thoughts and prayers were for you and your families during this candlelight vigil held on 18 April 2007.
Original source: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/inferno10/464836088/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/inferno10/464836088/</a>
Photo Courtesy of Jason Ozaeta
Jason Ozaeta
2007-06-08
Chad Newswander
Permission:
Jason Ozaeta
www.flickr.com/photos/inferno10/464836088/
eng
Candlelight Vigil
Alexandria, VA.
Original source: <a href=" http://www.flickr.com/photos/ellenw/464617828/"> http://www.flickr.com/photos/ellenw/464617828/</a>
Licensed under <a href=" http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0</a>
Ellen W.
2007-05-29
Chad Newswander
Ellen W.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ellenw/464617828/
Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0
eng
Candlelight Vigil
This was taken from the drill field, and the building is Burress Hall. After the ceremony was over, we all stood holding our lights for nearly ten minutes of silence. Finally, someone somewhere started singing the school song, and the crowd joined in. It progressed to various football chants - that's what Hokies know to do when in a large crowd. It wasn't especially somber, but I think everyone had had enough somberness already.
Original source: <a href=" http://www.flickr.com/photos/bwtownsend/463683715/"> http://www.flickr.com/photos/bwtownsend/463683715/</a>
Licensed under <a href=" http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0</a>
Ben Townsend
2007-05-29
Chad Newswander
Ben Townsend
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bwtownsend/463683715/
Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0
eng