'We are strong' a year after Tech shootings

Joe Harris, Gainesville, GA — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:06:04 GMT

Hoda, you are right. We are strong. After all, we are Hokies. I am nearing 50 and that special place in the Blue Ridge mountains, is still my home. I have family that is on staff there and younger ones that go to school there. My family has been and will forever be closely tied to Virginia Tech.

It will always hurt, that terrible tragedy of 4/16/07. I will forever keep those lost in my heart and the families in my prayers.

And always my cheer will be "Let's Go!!! HOKIES!!!"

'We are strong' a year after Tech shootings

Allison Crompton, Alexandria, Virginia — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:10:13 GMT

Thank you for your piece today. A Hokie myself, alum, but always a Hokie - it was nice to read from a fellow Hokie. God Bless and Go Tech!
Allison Crompton

'We are strong' a year after Tech shootings

Colleen Bennett Oak Ridge, NJ — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:15:28 GMT

My son is finishing his first year there and he loves it, the sense of respect they have for one another and sense of community is unbelievable. And you are right when asked where he attends this look is given and peoplp have know idea they are even doing this, it always amazes me.

'We are strong' a year after Tech shootings

Carolyn Faraday, Herndon, VA — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:06:30 GMT

One of the reasons my daughter and I picked Virginia Tech for her to attend was the sense of school pride both on campus and as alumni. And while I hate what she went through, I can't think of a better school to be at for the grassroot support to overcome a terrible event like this.

'We are strong' a year after Tech shootings

George F. Gabb, Chesapeake, Virgina — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:51:32 GMT

My son's future is defined by all the good that flows from Virginia Tech. He is and always will be a Hokie. He is currently working as a construction engineer on the Freedom Tower in NYC. He was on campus the day of the tradgedy and like so many students, said it was important for him,to finish the year! We as parents are proud of our son, and Virginia Tech. It is a constant reminder of all the good things in American and American universities.

'We are strong' a year after Tech shootings

Mark Hughes,Newport News,Va. — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:08:19 GMT

Hoda, your own personal resilience, strength and determination mirrows that of the entire VT community and the Hokie Nation at large in times of adversity. I am sure you are a most worthy advocate and will do our school proud at commencement. Thank you kindly, Mark (M.U.A.'74)

'We are strong' a year after Tech shootings

brian tully-'76, davenport fl — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:20:46 GMT

Thank you for representing the Hokie Nation the way you do. Despite the lack of exposure to the rest of the world, feelings of Hokie pride and community existed long before Coach Beamer put us in the national limelight (but thank you for the boost, coach !!)- back when we had more definitions for hokies (cant get into them here !) than names for our school(VPI <+SU>,VaTech, etc.) Congrats on being selected for 2008 Commencement - make sure the "scoreboard Gobbler" gets a few "words" in to represent for the nation ! GO HOKIES !

'We are strong' a year after Tech shootings

Johnnie Nichols, Middletown, IN, VT '83 — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:27:20 GMT

We are the Hokies and we have prevailed. Ut Prosim.

'We are strong' a year after Tech shootings

CHAD/SOPHIA DEBONIS, FOXFIRE VILLAGE, NC. — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 22:39:57 GMT

We are parents of a Tech graduate and a son who is a grad. student and employed at Tech fo 11 yrs. We are very Proud of ALL the Hokies thru-out the world that have survived this situation. All involved staff, student body and parents can be proud to wear the colors of VT.

'We are strong' a year after Tech shootings

Beth Massey, Check, VA — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:52:51 GMT

Thank you for giving us, the Alum's of VT, a voice. Yesturday my daughter mailed her acceptance letter to VT. We purposefully wanted it to be postmarked on April 16th, to signify that we are strong, we will continue to grow and build this wonderful school and community and so that she can remember a wonderful thing associated with this day as well as the tragedy. I'm so proud a second generation in my family will get to experience the amazing opportunities VT has to offer. Go Hokies and the Class of 2012. I was not aware you'd be delivering the commencement address, but I'm sure you are the right person for the job. We'll keep you in our prayers.

'We are strong' a year after Tech shootings

Brooklyn — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:58:18 GMT

It is good tha students are stong enough to overcome the great tragedy of last year. Keep on being strong.

'We are strong' a year after Tech shootings

Lisa Day Mayfield,Whitesville, KY — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:42:01 GMT

There is no truer phrase than once a Hokie always a Hokie, yesterday I wore my Hokies United shirt, and my heart still ached. As you said that was my drillfield, my school, but the students, the alumni, the community, the state I was raised in, they stood strong that day, that week, this past year, and they continue to show the Hokie Spirit. They will do the victims proud and carry on their works. I hope if anything we have learned through this awful tragedy is that there are no guarantees in this life. Hold those dear to you close each day.

'We are strong' a year after Tech shootings

David Cox — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:16:15 GMT

What defines Tech is a sense of community, a sense of pride, and a fierce dedication to high quality education. I am completing my graduate work there this year and my daughter has been a student at the lab school there. Although the events of 4/16/07 will forever be etched in our memories, our thoughts and discussions about Tech are about so much more. Thank you to the Virginia Tech community for allowing me the honor of being a Hokie.

'We are strong' a year after Tech shootings

Tara Vadeboncoeur, Fredericksburg, VA — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:18:43 GMT

I'm a Hokie through blood. Both my parents are Virginia Tech Alumn and I have other family that aer as well. I grew up at all the games. I never went to Tech, but I am proud to be a part of the Hokie family and mourn the pain that was bourne that fateful day. But We Will Prevail....

'We are strong' a year after Tech shootings

Gaurav Dogra, New Delhi, NCR, India — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:01:01 GMT

I am a grad student from India who got selected to attend Virginia Tech this year. Students and scholars all around the world stood in shocked silence when the events of that fateful day unfolded. Of three offers, I chose to be a 'Hokie' for the wonderful community spirit at this school and it's great academic tradition. This experience would, I am sure, remain the most wonderful and enriching experience of my life. I cant wait to join school this fall. Go Tech!!