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Not at my alma mater

Posted: Monday, April 16, 2007 10:41 PM by Dateline Editor

by Hoda Kotb, Dateline correspondent and Virginia Tech graduate

Virginia Tech is where  went to college, it’s where my brother went to college, it’s where my sister went to college. We all went there and the decision was a no-brainer. There wasn’t another school in the country we wanted to go to.

Today, I’m wearing orange, one of Virginia Tech’s colors. The school colors are actually maroon and orange. I remember in college, and we didn’t love the color scheme— we thought the two colors clashed. Today, there is not another color I would rather be wearing.

When most people think of Virginia Tech, the very first thing that comes into mind is sports: football and basketball. All you would see during Virginia Tech’s football season was a sea of maroon and orange. You would hear the chant in the crowd. I can still hear it in my head, “Hokie, hokie, hokie high...Tech, Tech V-P-I.”

When you go to Tech, it’s in your blood. I think of the kind of camaraderie and the pride -- they call it “hokie pride.” It sounds corny, but it is how proud the students are of their school.

I never imagined that this is the way Virginia Tech would likely go down in history.  I know everyone says that about their town: “Not my town, my town is a little town,” or “It would never happen in my neighborhood.”

But Virginia Tech is a place away from the big cities. It is away from the big city problems, away from all of it. It felt insulated. It felt safe. I never felt uncomfortable walking on that campus.

Then to hear what happened at Tech today, at my school. I couldn’t believe it—I still can’t.

It was all just so surreal today to see the images on television. You can’t help but look at those images. I have a girlfriend that’s a professor there. Was that her being carried out on a stretcher? Is she safe? I have friends who work on campus, friends in the communications department.

The school always meant something really warm and fuzzy to me. Today, I have a horribly sad feeling.

But I’m really hopeful because out of the worst tragedy, you watch people rise up. And it will happen on the campus of Virginia Tech.

Those students will rise up. I’ll bet on that.

Click here to watch VIDEO of Hoda's recollection.

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Comments

I've never been more proud of our students than I am today. -John, ME: Class of 98

John Curtis, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Monday, April 16, 2007 11:08 PM)

Thank you! VT grad of 1993.

Phil Smith, Raleigh, NC via Mathews, VA (Sent Monday, April 16, 2007 11:12 PM)

Prayers to everyone affected by this senseless tragedy. Even though it's been 13 years since I graduated from Tech, seeing the pictures and video just brought it all back to me.

rob (Sent Monday, April 16, 2007 11:15 PM)

This was a very touching piece on Dateline tonight. I'm sure many of my fellow alums would say the same thing. Thank you for showing the world what a special place Virginia Tech really is!

Eric Young, Richmond, Va (Sent Monday, April 16, 2007 11:18 PM)

Thank you Hoda. You made me choke up during that segment. Jim VT '90

Jim S. Fredericksburg, VA (Sent Monday, April 16, 2007 11:21 PM)

Thanks for your up lifting message. Your message gave America just a glimpse of what it means to be a Hokie and what a wonderful place Blacksburg and VT is. Anyone who has ever attended VT or lived in Blacksburg walks away with the same fuzzy and warm feeling.

John - Tazewell, VA (Sent Monday, April 16, 2007 11:26 PM)

I am still completely in shock. I was born and raised in Blacksburg and also went to Virginia Tech. I never would have imagined this could happen in my hometown. Thank you, Hoda. Rob VT '00

Robert Rogers, Fort Huachuca, AZ (Sent Monday, April 16, 2007 11:29 PM)

Hoda, I saw your piece on Dateline and you brought a tear to my eyes. Thanks for all of the nice things that you said about our school. Gary, Richmond, Va.

Gary, Richmond, Va. (Sent Monday, April 16, 2007 11:29 PM)

I held it together all day until Hoda's story. It was too much to bear.Hoda reflected the spirit of Virginia Tech beautifully. May god be with the victims,friends families and our Hokie family

PR Clark. Salem, VA (Sent Monday, April 16, 2007 11:31 PM)

She was absolutely right...Virginia Tech gets into your blood the moment you arrive on campus...This campus will rise up...I can promise that. Amazing people go to this school and it will only make us stronger...Stand strong Hokies!! -Abby Hughes (Freshman, Virginia Tech, Class of 2010)

Abby Hughes, Callao, VA (Sent Monday, April 16, 2007 11:32 PM)

Thank you so much for the positive article. While mourning, I feel like the Hokie nation is being battered by questions on what someone should have done etc. Please use your wonderful writing style to show people how beautiful VT is and how safe it usually is. Thank you again for the article.

Melissa, Chester, VA (Sent Monday, April 16, 2007 11:33 PM)

GREAT segment Hoda, you make me proud to call you a fellow Hokie, UT PROSIM -Kirk, VT class of 2005

Kirk, Mount Laurel, NJ (Sent Monday, April 16, 2007 11:33 PM)

Ut Prosim Hoda, thank you for giving voice to Hokies everywhere.

Steve Ingram - Frederick, MD (Sent Monday, April 16, 2007 11:36 PM)

Well said. I am proud you are a fellow Hokie. The spirit of Hokie Pride may have lost its breath today, but tomorrow and in the following days and months, our Hokie Pride will soar to great heights once again. Mark Williams VT Class of 1990

Mark Williams, Bluefield, VA (Sent Monday, April 16, 2007 11:43 PM)

Hoda, Thank you for your message. All of us are in shock today at the tragedy that has happened at your Alma Mater. I've thought of an old friend that I knew during my years at LSU. He received his bachelors from Tech and his Masters from LSU. Keith is probably the most loving, kind person that I've ever known. From the short time I knew him, I developed a deep appreciation for Virginia Tech. As an LSU Tiger, I was overwhelmed by the support shown by people throughout the country following Katrina. May this type of support be shown to Virginia Tech during this most trying time.

Charles - Burbank, CA (Sent Monday, April 16, 2007 11:45 PM)

Thanks Hoda, you couldn't of spoken better for the alumni of Virginia Tech. Blacksburg is like home to me. Home is where your heart is. Tina VT '94

Tina , Bristol, TN (Sent Monday, April 16, 2007 11:52 PM)

On behalf of all of the students at UGA, our hearts and prayers are with you, Virginia Tech. This piece brought me to tears. As a college student I have been completely shocked, and rudely awaken. I can only say that all of us have to be there for these students and families. No person, no COLLEGE should have to go through this ordeal alone. I am deeply saddened. God bless you, Hokies.

Chrisine, Athens, GA (Sent Monday, April 16, 2007 11:53 PM)

I am an old Hokie now,class of 69.Prayers to all the parents and spouses of those lives destroyed today.Some idiot took away the safety all us Hokies remember so fondly.Va. Tech stays with one a lifetime.Well said,lets see what tomorrow will bring.

Herman Johnson,Rocky Mount,N.C. (Sent Monday, April 16, 2007 11:54 PM)

Hoda, thank you for the wonderful piece tonight on Dateline. The world needs to know that Virginia Tech is a great place and not this terrorist zone the media is making it out to be. "Hokie Nation" thanks you for being a true voice of reason to the rest of the world.

Scott McAndrews (Class of '98), New York, NY (Sent Monday, April 16, 2007 11:55 PM)

I grew up in Alexandria, VA and I knew many who went to Virginia Tech. My heart is broken when I think of those kids and their families. Though my family moved out to California years ago, we'll never completely leave Virginia behind. Our hearts are with you tonight Virginia Tech.

C. Chance (Sent Monday, April 16, 2007 11:58 PM)

From one journalist to another - from one Hokie to another - thank you.

Jennifer - Tucson, AZ (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 12:00 AM)

Blacksburg is the closest place I have to a home town because I moved around so often growing up. My grandfather taught and retired from the engineering department. I grew up going to the Duck Pond and cheering for the Hokies. I knew I always wanted to attend VA Tech and lived in West AJ my freshman year. I became an RA and watched the planes hit the twin towers from my dorm on campus. I feel like all of those feelings are coming back. I hate seeing those beautiful and familiar buildings, sidewalks, and even the name of my school (for the record it's Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, not Virgina Tech University) associated with such a horrible headline. I'm thinking of all of my fellow Hokies who feel so deeply sad for our school.

Corin, Madison, WI (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 12:00 AM)

IN HONOR OF VIRGINIA TECH'S FALLEN I PROPOSE WE WEAR ORANGE AND MARRON FOR TODAY WE ARE ALL HOKIES

JEAN TWO, PULLMAN, WA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 12:00 AM)

Thank you, it's good to hear from one of us instead of the media vultures out there looking to point blame instead of mourn the fallen.

Mike, Atlanta, GA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 12:02 AM)

Hey what a great piece Hoda. Two sisters, a brother-in-law and myself, all proud graduates of Va Tech and a nephew who will be attending this fall. I loved the beauty and tranquility of the campus so much I was married in the campus chapel. We all had a pretty care free four years there and to see our alma mater in the headlines like this... it is such a sad day for us. Our thoughts and prayers to all the students and their families. Amy class of '82

Amy Wilmer (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 12:09 AM)

Thank you so much for giving voice to what we alumni ('86 myself) have been feeling all day. Your heartfelt and moving piece was the perfect counterbalance to all of the other horrible "reporters" who seem more interested in trashing VT and its administration and police force today.

Katherine, Richmond, VA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 12:13 AM)

This has sent shockwaves around the world. I am in Singapore and feel devastated by what happened at my school. Friends and alums across Asia feel the same way. Thanks for sharing your story. Jeremy - VT Class of 2000

Jeremy, Singapore (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 12:20 AM)

Great job, Hoda! Hope you will continue to be a strong voice & representative for the Hokie Nation. There's something so special about VT, it gets in your blood and stays with you forever. May God bless the students, families, faculty and the entire Hokie Nation. We will rise up! Craig - Class of '85

Craig, South Boston, VA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 12:40 AM)

Hoda, thank you for your message. I believe you speak for the VT alumni and like you, we are all extremly proud to be a hokie and always will be. This is a tragedy unlike any other and I only hope that we as a community will continue to uplift the families, friends, and communities of our beloved school.

Ayanna Alex-Harris (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 7:57 AM)

My father, brother(class of 02), and husband (class of 93) are all alums of VT. I have an uncle who is a professor there and several family members still living in the area and supporting the Hokies. Although I live in Indiana now, watching the coverage was heart-wrenching. I felt like yelling "This can't be happening!!" at my television. Thank you for remembering with fondness your time there rather than other news people demanding answers when they have no other concern than their ratings.

Ali, Fort Wayne, IN (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 7:57 AM)

To the staff,students and alumni of Virgina Tech. Today after a nation's tragedy. We all have Hokie Pride. Orange, Maroon and black ribbons are being made and worn by myself and our staff. From the Alumni at The University of maryland. Today ...the Hokie family has grown by millions.

Nicholas Roseville,mn (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:02 AM)

to the universal family of virginia tech. my thought and prayers go out to you. remember, during this time, as in others, the lord will never leave or forsake you. may god's peace and grace be with you now and forever. romans 8.31

tre, bronxville, ny (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:04 AM)

Thank you, Hoda, for taking the time to reflect on Virginia Tech in a positive light. All day yesterday, it was about numbers, how many were killed/injured, but you reminded the world that there are faces behind these numbers. I may not know any of them, but we are all Hokies, and my connection to them is heartfelt. Linda - Class of '92

Linda Maher, Houston, TX (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:07 AM)

I am devasted by this tradgedy. My family has resided in Blacksburg since 1969, my father having retired after 19 years on facult. My family home is still Blacksburg. Blackburg is a safe haven embroiled in the campas and the students. Everyone in that area is affected by VA Tech. I have seen no mention of a tradgedy from the early 70's where a shooter shot students on Fraternity Row, went on to rob and I think shoot a clerk at a local pharmacy and then a professor's home leaving the professor and his wife dead. I can't remember if others were killed but I know the family as their sons were my school mates. I make my home in Austin, TX now where this community, although much larger, is not unlike Blacksburg and has of course had a similar massecre in it's history. You are so right about the pride and I beleive they student, faculty and alumni will rise over this. My prayers are certainly with this community Pat, Austin, TX(previous Blacksburg Resident)

Pat Collins, Austin, TX (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:11 AM)

I am also so sad for the dead caused by the shotting case happened on your campus, and hope that it won't happen again at other place of this world. ______a college teacher dalian city,China

wang hai-zhuang, dalian, China (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:13 AM)

Hoda: Thank you for your message to Dateline viewers last night. As an alum and former faculty member at Virginia Tech, I echo all you have said about the university and town of Blacksburg. Both will always be a major part of my family's lives and will always be considered home. Thank you for your grace and for conveying the thoughts and feelings of so many in the Hokie family.

Mark Schaefermeyer, Mechanicsville, VA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:15 AM)

I'm not a VT grad, rather an alumni of James Madison University ('81), but I fully understand the sense of community, pride, and security we all felt at our schools. I also share the sorrow, shock and disbelief. Our world has changed...but I know that the spirit of VT will survive, and may help the world to change once more.

Diane McHutchison, New Egypt, NJ (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:23 AM)

I have three children that have graduated from VT and the youngest just graduated last year. VT is and will always be a part of who they are and who we are as parents. I commend the school and the students for their displays of courage as I see and hear about the details of this tragedy unfold. My prayers and thoughts go out to all the students, parents, faculty, and alumni. Family's ban together in times of trouble and there is no doubt in mind that the VT community will percervier and ban together to help each other. Proud parent of three Hokies

Shelly, Florida (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:26 AM)

As a Ferrum college grad 06' Vt is in our thoughts and prayers. We send alot of students to Grad school at VT. VT we think of you as family we love you all may God watch over each and everyone of you.

Phillip Watts (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:27 AM)

Thanks for giving hope to Hokies everywhere Hoda. Your segment and article were touching and comforting in a time of great sorrow. My little sister is a senior in engineering at tech, and to hear her voice yesterday on the phone- there has never been a better sound. I cannot begin to describe what she is going through, but I am confident that our school will rise up. Lauren - class of '04

Lauren, McLean, VA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:27 AM)

I would like to thank you for all you just said! As I watched the news today I saw many reportes interviewing by fellow hokies and some of the reporters seemed to be asking questions to get the students to bash Tech. What these reporters don't realize is that Tech is a community that comes together no matter what differences we have, Hokies are not the type to bash our home becuase if we did we wouldn't be true Hokies! Once you go to Tech the old saying is ture "You live and bleed orange and maroon." I'm not even a full year out of my undergraduate experience there, but I know that my thoughts and prayers will alway be with my home a ways from home. I am proud to be a member fo the HOKIE NATION and I know that we will rise up and be able to face this tragedy head on with grace and poise. Thank you very much for allowing the world to see that HOKIES are PROUD, and HOKIES will overcome! - Class of '06

Aurora, Alexandria VA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:30 AM)

This story is disturbing to people everywhere -- whether or not you went to VT or whether or not you even attended college. Sadly, there are disturbed people everywhere. When it comes to sending or not sending warning emails, there are no "right answers" as you can't know all the details when the story is unfolding.

St Louis, MO (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:31 AM)

Thank you for your comments;and for giving the Hokie Nation a knowing and compassionate voice.

Hank: Hokie, class of'88 (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:33 AM)

I graduated Tech in 74 and have fond memories of those days. Tech is a special place filled with special people. My heart broke at the events at yesterday and I will pray for the families and for the school we all hold dear. May God bless and comfort each of us and use this senseless tragedy to draw us closer to Himself. Mike Morehouse Opelika, AL

Mike Morehouse, Opelika, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:35 AM)

As a recent Hokie grad (class of '06) I have been directly affected by this tragedy. I lost one of my dearest friends (and groomsman in my wedding) yesturday in that tragic and senseless act. Thank you Hoda for representing VT not just from a journalist's prespective but also as a fellow Hokie.

Paul Tuzzolino, Gaithersburg, MD (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:41 AM)

Hoda, I have been at a loss for words since the first reporting on this terrible tragedy. Thank you for finding the words for all us and for expressing them for the nation to hear. Classmates of mine have children at Tech today. I know some of their children are safe, but I haven't heard back from all of them. I hope everyone will keep them and the families of all the victims in their prayers. We cannot forget this terrible tragedy, but we do need to ensure it does not overshadow Tech's wonderful tradition of excellence and its service to Virginia and our nation.

Dan, MacDill AFB, FL (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:41 AM)

Now is the time for everyone to pull together...it is not the time to be consumed by the negative energy generated by perceived misjudgement, by the desire to lay blame, or by the sheer outrage...instead, it is the time to channel that negative energy into a healing force for, first and foremost, the shooting victims and their families, the university, and ultimately, for the collective body of the country. For while the pain sears most intensely for the former, the latter, too, will bear the scars of this tragedy. God be with those who are directly affected by these horrible events; God heal us all, and make us whole again.

Leigh Slay, Moody, AL (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:42 AM)

Do not allow this great university to become defined by the insane actions of one deranged man.

Jim Day, VT Class 1962, Bowling Green, VA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:42 AM)

Thank you Hoda. Katherine voiced it perfectly. Use your moving piece instead of acting like vultures. We are devastated, they are making it worse. God bless the students and families and all connected even remotely to this tragedy.

Mary Sutphin (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:43 AM)

My father went to Tech. I went to Tech. In May, my son will graduate 3rd generation. From Fighting Gobblers to Hokies of today, Va Tech has developed one the best academic and athletic programs in the country. We shall continue our traditional bonding while mourning our losses. This is part of our Va Tech pride. We hurt together and we rise to an event together. Now, we shall do both.

Larry Hartbarger, Lake Anna, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:43 AM)



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