We are sad. We are sad because of what has happened at Virginia Tech. We are sad because we know violence and murder are possible and we are sad because we know we are all vulnerable to tremendous suffering. I do not have commentary comparable to the incredible stories being told right now by all of the students and faculty affected at Virginia Tech, but I do have some things I would like to share. If you are interested in helping Virginia Tech, in the weeks and months to come, please start by watching their school's convocation from this afternoon. Right now I think the spirit of many of the students throughout our nation is to help. We are inspired and we have the noble and kind desire to do everything we can to assist those in need. Whether that desire leads you to write on their memorial website, give to their memorial fund, or share your thoughts with your friends and family, whenever that desire might lead you, I would urge you to follow it. As Nikki Giovanni said so powerfully today to close the Convocation:
"We are better than we think and not quite what we want to be. We are alive to the imagination and the possibility, we will continue to invent the future through our blood and tears, through all this sadness. We are the Hokies! We will prevail, we will prevail, we are, Virginia Tech."
We are with you.
