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Statement by President Mote to the UM Family on the Virginia Tech Tragedy
TO: University of Maryland FamilyOn behalf of every member of our campus community, I extend our support and deepest sympathies to the Virginia Tech Family, as well as to our University of Maryland faculty, staff and students who have friends and colleagues in Blacksburg. A tragedy of this proportion shocks our nation and especially every college and university. I am personally deeply saddened by this stunning news. Please join me in pausing for a moment of silence following the Chapel Bells at noon today to reflect on life and values in remembrance of those whose lives ended so abruptly.
All of us in higher education are one at a moment like this. While Blacksburg is hundreds of miles away, our anguish is not bounded by distance. I know and have worked with President Steger and offer to him and the entire Virginia Tech community our support in the fullest measures.
Yesterday's attack has again demonstrated that no community can be completely shielded from such an incomprehensible act. In the wake of this tragedy, we are marshaling our resources to support the emotional needs of our community.
Students, faculty and staff will find assistance at the Counseling Center or through the peer counseling hotline. The Chapel will be open today until 5:00 p.m. for reflection and quiet space.
I want to assure every parent and every member of our campus family that we are reviewing our own safety and security measures in light of this tragedy. The safety of our campus is our highest priority. An important step is to ensure that every member of our community is aware of our emergency procedures, which are posted on the web here. I urge you to review them.
As we support the Virginia Tech University through this terrible time, I want to also reach out to every member of our own family and assure you that we will do everything possible to ensure our safety, security, and well being.
C. D. Mote, Jr.
President
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