ABOUT INSIDE DATELINE

Inside Dateline is your Web line into Studio 3B, providing you with a personal behind-the-scenes look at how we bring you our stories.

Whether it's a gripping crime tale, a hidden camera investigation, or a celebrity newsmaker profile -- Dateline correspondents and producers spend days, months, and sometimes even years researching and reporting the story. Learn more about what goes on inside our investigations, and find out more about some of the people we've met.

Ann Curry hosts Dateline. Dateline's producers, correspondents and host post here often. Previews to upcoming stories, more information on our reports, and follow-ups can be found on this blog.



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.

MAIN PAGE

Email this EMAIL THIS

Comments

I think you really captured what a lot of alumni are feeling. Not only did I go to VT, I grew up in Blacksburg. It's my hometown and I hate that they're hurting so much. I am proud though, that the character of the campus is coming through - in times of tragedy, Hokies unite. Carmen - Class of '04

Carmen, Stuarts Draft, VA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:44 AM)

Proud to be a Hokie and extremely saddened and shocked by what has happened at my alma mater. Strength and compassion to all those affected. Jocelyn- VT Class 2003

Jocelyn, Australia (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:44 AM)

Thanks, Hoda. You put into words what I have been trying to verbalize to others for years. Your report helps ease the pain. Ben - Class of 1967

Ben Adkins, Laurel, MD (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:46 AM)

Hoda, thank you for sharing with the world the true spirit of the Hokie nation. I know of no other place on Earth - no other group of people - who are more capable and better suited to deal with this senseless tragedy. We will pull together and see amazing people rise up and overcome the sorrow of this day. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the victims, families, friends, and co-workers affected by this. "Ut Prosim" Jason, VT - Class of '98

Jason, Suffolk, VA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:46 AM)

I am a JMU graduate but I have many ties to VT starting with summers spent at various 4-H activities. My sister and brother-in-law are grads as are numerous cousins. Many happy hours were spent there at sporting events with family and friends. I can't begin to comprehend the pain VT grads are feeling but I know this huge community of Hokies will find a way to unite and show their courage in the face of adversity. For the first time during our daily moment of silence, which was dedicated to the victims and their families this morning not a single ninth grader in my English class said a word. It was truly a moment of silence in memory of the victims and their families and for all friends of VT.

Sharyn Billings (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:48 AM)

Thank you, Hoda. A few short days ago, I could never have even imagined something like this happening on campus in Blacksburg. As one local paper put it, it's hard to "get your mind around" this tragedy. Steve - VT 1981

Steve, Germantown, MD (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:48 AM)

Thanks Hoda, for this wonderful piece. I went to VT for one year and I agree with you a 100%. The minute you enter campus, its in you, you are a HOKIE. Today even though I graduated from another university, I still call myself a HOKIE. Our fellow HOKIES will rise high. GOD BLESS THE HOKIES!!!!

Deepa Zaveri, Mclean, VA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:49 AM)

my heart and prayers go out to my fellow students, although we go to different schools we are all striving to be better, then this coward comes and shatters what should be your shining moment. be strong and perserver you will overcome this

richard steward, saxonburg PA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:49 AM)

Thank You Hoda.

Roanoke VA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:51 AM)

Once a Hokie, always a Hokie! God bless Virginia Tech, and bring peace to all of us that think of Blacksburg as home, even though we left years ago. My heart and my thoughts are with the Virginia Tech family.

Jeanne, Yorktown, VA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:51 AM)

God Bless all of you at VT, continue to be proud of your university, my prayers go to the victims and their families. Please don't be quick to judge. These things are impossible to predict, support your university officials. They need your help. This is awful!!

Paul McCarthy, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:52 AM)

I hope the media will start listening to the voices of the students - they are saying "I am here to stay - I am a Hokie!" I am appalled at the amount of attention to the two hour lapse between events. This is was an imaginable tragedy. We need to focus on our Hokie Community and holding strong!

Priscilla Morales, Miami, Florida (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:53 AM)

God Bless all of the Hokies- especially the families that lost love ones. Blacksburg is our heart and this is so unbelievable. Thanks, Hoda.

Chris W (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:54 AM)

Thanks for writing that article. I graduated in 1999 and at times forget what a special place Virginia Tech is. Thanks for reminding me. My prayers go out to students, the families, and the community.

John Harrison Cincinnati, OH (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:54 AM)

Hokie Pride and Hokie Respect will always be in my heart. Thanks for the positive voice about the greatness of Virginia Tech, its students faculty and staff! I continue to pray for the healing that will come with time! Mark - Class of 95

Mark Jones, Roanoke, VA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:55 AM)

Thanks for being a voice to those who know and love Virginia Tech

Sid, Clintwood Virginia (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:55 AM)

Thank you, Hoda. You're right, Tech is a special place filled with "Hokie Pride". It's been ten years since I graduated, but Tech will always be home, and I will always have that fierce sense of pride and family that comes with being a Hokie. May God Bless the victims, their families and Hokies everywhere. Heather- Class of '95 and '97

Heather, Stuarts Draft, VA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:56 AM)

It's great to know my fellow alumni are finding this as difficult to process as I am. VT has always been my happiest place on Earth. I hope the students who are there now will still ultimately be able to walk away from Blacksburg with those 'warm & fuzzy' memories that I know VT can offer and not just this heartbreak.

Shannon Hill, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:57 AM)

As the proud mother of a recent VT grad and a Hokie at heart, I was happy to hear your wonderful piece last night on MSNBC. The negative comments being made are done by people who have no knowledge of the Hokie Spirit nor the small town comfort that Blacksburg brings to those who live there or even visit on a regular basis. Thank you for representing your alma mater so beautifully! The Hokies will rise from this tragic event and be stronger than ever. Go Hokies!

Nancy Kurz, Virginia Beach, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8:58 AM)

Our family lives near Harrisonburg, Virginia, just 2 1/2 hours north of Virginia Tech. We have lots of families in our community who have students at Tech. My husband and the majority of his co-workers are all grads of the VA Tech Ag Dept. We absolutely love Hokie football and basketball. I have a 15 year old son who hopes to attend Tech after H.S. and this tragedy has not affected him wanting to attend if given the opportunity. VT is a beautiful campus located in the beautiful mountains of Virginia. I can't think of another place I'd like more than VT for my children to attend college. We hope to get that opportunity some day. This tragedy hit close home. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the injured and their families, the families who have lost loved ones, and the whole "Hokie" community. God Bless each one of you.

Shelia, Penn Laird, VA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:00 AM)

My heart goes out to all the families who have been devastated by this senseless tradegy. I get chills every time I hear this story on the news. What is the world coming to.....We have to always stay prayerful at all times, never wake up a day in your life giving God thanks for another day and asking him to protect you and your family as you go about your busy day. God Bless, and I will continue to pray for all of you. Pull together and get thru this together, time heals all wounds.

Mrs. Jones, Cocoa, Fl (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:00 AM)

Hoda, Yes you have captured the heart of us in your words. VT gets in your blood and stays there no matter where in the world one's life path takes you. Its family. Those that have been there, studied there and lived there, know and understand this. Numbers 6:24-26 over the entire University body, past, present and future!

Eric Raitch, Fairfax Va (class of 82') (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:01 AM)

Too bad it took a situation like this for the world to learn what we always knew--that HOKIE NATION is much more than just football mania. It is the spirit of the place and the people which Hoda portrayed so well. Love and prayers to all who went through this horrific event especially the families of the victims. Besides that, what can we do?

Susie, Hagerstown, MD (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:01 AM)

Thank you for such a heartfelt story. I truly believe you said what all of us hokies have been feeling since we heard the sad news! Please continue to show the world a glimpse of what it means to be a hokie, so that their view of this might move away from blame and focus on the strong sense of community and camaraderie we all feel as Virginia Tech students, faculty & staff members, and alumni!!

Ashley (class of ''04), Tampa, FL (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:01 AM)

Hoda? Thank you so much. I too am a Tech Grad. 1989. I am now a faculty member in Cooperative Extension and work in an off campus office. I have so many co-workers on campus and a number of my 4-H'ers who are students there currently. We're all so shocked. There are so many questions, but I'd like to ask you to plea with your coworkers to stop trying to place blame on the police and university. We all enjoy living in a free society and unfortunately that means people make some very bad choices sometimes. This is one of those cases. The blame lies with the gunman. In todays society we always seem to try and lay blame with officials, policies, actions of those trying to help. The reality is there sometimes are no good answers but trying to turn the heroes who were trying to save lives into the culprets only hurts more. We need prayers, not accusations of blame. Also, I want to praise Pres. Steger. He showed true leadership in his actions yesturday and continues to.

Beth, Floyd, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:02 AM)

As a former alumni, Hoda, I'm surprised that you didn't catch that the first picture shown before the picture of the flag with an "H" on it clearly showed students in orange and blue, the colors of my alma mater, UVA. As a person born in VA and with a sister who attended Tech (along with a number of friends who attended as well), I'm saddened by the events of yesterday and distressed that no one caught this obvious problem with the otherwise fine report.

Bill Barnard, Gainesville, FL (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:02 AM)

In times of tragedy and sadness, true strength and spirit emerges. I have no doubt that Hokies Pride is alive and well in Blacksburg, as well as across the country! I have never been more proud to be a Hokie, and hope that in the wake of this tragedy, we can unite and show the nation, what a Hokie really is!

Margaux LaFortune, Arlington, VA, Class of '01 (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:03 AM)

I didn't go to Va. Tech. I went to Radford but spent a great deal of time visiting at Tech. I'm still in shock over this. Va. Tech and Blacksburg will rise again. My prayers are with the families, students, professors, and alumni. RU Class of 99.

Shareese, Woodbridge, Va. (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:04 AM)

I graduated from VT in 2001 with a PhD degree in Electrical Engineering. Having been in Blacksburg for a long time and then moving back to India, it was shocking to see the images on TV. The last thing one wants to see is the familiar and heart warming sights of the VT campus in such a horrendous back drop. 4 of my family members from India graduated from Tech since it is everything that a college should be and our prayers go out to the families of the victims in this sorrowful moment. We pray that everyone in the community will be able to pull together to overcome this monumental tragedy and make the University stronger. To all the Hokies on campus and elsewhere around the world, God Bless.

Dr. Praveen Vijayraghavan, Bangalore, India (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:05 AM)

All I can say is THANK YOU! Sandy - Class of '89.

Sandy, Richmond, VA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:09 AM)

Hoda....thanks for sharing your story. My heart is broken for what has happened at our school...as I am sitting here this morning, I think of this tragedy and the families that have lost loves ones. I also think of those currently attending VT. My prayers go out to all of them. Jason - Class of 04

Jason Blevins, Rockville, MD (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:12 AM)

I graduated in 2003 and currently live in South Florida. I feel so helpless and far away right now. I think everyone in the Hokie Nation is united today. God Bless the Virginia Tech Family.

Michael Killi, Ft Lauderdale FL (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:14 AM)

I attended Va Tech in engineering in the 80's. It was and still is a wonderful place; it's one of the few places I have been that I still hold dear. My heart goes out to everyone in the Hokie family. I have my maroon and orange on today. I wish I could do more...

Pam, Canton, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:15 AM)

Hoda, You put into words what all VT alum are feeling. No matter how long we have been away, it is always a home away from home. I place where we learned some of life's most valuable lessons, became adults, and made life long friends, met spouses, and will always hold dear. Charlotte - Class of '98

Charlotte, Fredericksburg, VA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:17 AM)

Thank you for telling the world what life at Virginia Tech really means. I'm amazed that the people who are so quick to pin the blame on the administration and campus police, are NOT Hokies or Blacksburg residents - thank you for voicing how we REALLY feel! Shannon, VT Class of 2005

Shannon, Fairfax, VA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:17 AM)

You sum up my feelings exactly. The memory of my years at VT has always felt like a big, warm security blanket. Now I want to gather the school, its places & people, into my arms & comfort it. Rise up, Hokies! James - VT Class of '93

James Negri, Lakeland, Florida (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:19 AM)

Exactly my thoughts, though stated much more succinctly than I ever could have. Thank you to a great representative of VT. As you said, we will rise up. Go Hokies never meant more than it does now.

Erik Wentzel, Leesburg, VA - VT Class '98 (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:19 AM)

Hoda, again thanks for the wounderful piece last night on VT. I"m a native Virginian, and growing up in VA around all of the wounderful people there; that attended VT, and that were stationed there in the Military gives me just as much gratitude and sorrow as it does the rest of the Hokie Family. Stay strong family.

Paula Colander Carroll, Coatesville, PA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:20 AM)

I'm not a VT grad and have only actually briefly visited the campus, but I wanted to send a message on behalf of the graduates of my school, The University of Kentucky. We send our deepest condolences and our greatest sympathy to all of you who have been affected directly by this tragedy. Believe me when I tell you that ALL of us are affected indirectly. If Hokie Nation is as proud and strong as I believe it is, you all will rise up from this and if you need a little push to help get you there, Big Blue Nation is here to back you up...God Bless you all.

Corey, Huntington, WV (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:22 AM)

Ut Prosim... That I may serve. Hoda you have done our school's motto proud, but; last night your service to all of us hurting so deeply from this tragedy was especially poignant. I am just an engineer and not particularly articulate. Thanks for putting words to what so many of us feel around the country. Mark - VT Class of '76

Mark Johnson, Suwanee, GA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:23 AM)

I watched and heard you say these words on TV last night, and saw the pictures of some the beautiful things that surround campus. After spending a day terrified for my daughter who resides in WAJ, your message gave me a feeling of hope. Thank you so much.

Daphne, Roanoke VA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:23 AM)

Well said. I live in Charlottesville (home to University of Virginia) and am one of 2,000 VT alumni in the area. I'm ten years removed from graduation but am still a diehard Hokie, down to my license plate and the VT flag on my house (which I proudly fly today). I firmly stand by the administration for their actions. You stick to what you know. I am upset with the "monday morning quarterback" questions and commentary about the "couldas, wouldas, and shouldas" of the day made by media and pundits. This is a pleasant article to supplant the rest of the day's news.

Andrew, Charlottesville Virginia (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:26 AM)

I am proud of the students. Reporters ask if they are ready to transfer and the students all say "NO." They remark how they love Virginia Tech, how safe it normally is, and that as Hokies they will group together and get through this. They are not seeking blame, but only concern for the families of their fallen students and professors.

JB, Blacksburg (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:29 AM)

Thank you Hoda! I had been struggling all day with the unpleasant legacy that yesterday's events could leave with our school. Your story made me realize that our legacy will be the strength and grace and resolve that the Hokie Nation will show in dealing with this in the coming weeks. Stacy - Class of '84

Stacy, Raleigh NC (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:29 AM)

Thank you so much for those words. The nation has no idea what this town and school have given back to all of its students. Which is why this has such a deep impact on those who have ties to Tech. My brother and I, my mother and stepfather, uncles and numerous cousins...all Hokie grads. Now more than ever I really feel how we all bleed orange and maroon. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone. -Meg, Class of '03

Meg, Arlington, VA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:31 AM)

These kind words are so true about our Hokie Nation. As we rise together in this tragedy to remember those that we lost, each person was part of the VT nation. We must also always remember that VT is a special place, a place many of us remember as safe, comforting, and home, and that will never change.

Chris, Tallahassee, FL (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:31 AM)

Thankyou Hoda. This news has really shocked my end of the world. My brother and I are fellow Hokies but are now living in the South Pacific. My closest friends are Hokies. I am deeply saddened and my heart mourns for fallen brothers and sisters. Let us remember them and their families in our prayers and may the light of our resilient Hokie spirit continue to burn bright.

Alma, Fiji Islands (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:32 AM)

GO HOKIES!

Sallie,Norfolk,VA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:33 AM)

Great job, Hoda. You perfectly summed up how every VT alumnus feels. The Hokie Nation will rise up and come together to get through this tragedy. Brooke - Class of '04

Brooke, Savannah, GA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:34 AM)

I feel such heartache for the victims and their families, but such pride for the cohesiveness of the VT/Blacksburg community!!

Pam VT Class '85 Mechanicsville, VA (Sent Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:36 AM)



SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.): 

 Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private)

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://insidedateline.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=153162