Memorial Wall, Moment of Silence Are Part of VT Solidarity Project
The College of Southern Maryland has declared Friday, April 20 an “Orange and Maroon Effect” Day, in memory of the lives lost at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. on April 16, 2007. Several other remembrance programs and events are planned for Monday, April 23 and include a moment of silence and gathering at the flagpoles at each of CSMs campuses in La Plata, Leonardtown and Prince Frederick.
“As we've watched in shock the chaos unfold in Southwestern Virginia, our thoughts and prayers are with all in the Virginia Tech community. We express our deep dismay and sorrow to the victims, their families and friends for the pain they are suffering as they experience this terrible tragedy. Many of us in our own community know students attending the Blacksburg Campus, or their families, and our thoughts are with them, too, as we all try to make sense of this. I urge all of us to reach out in support to those who have experienced this trauma as they begin their healing process,” said CSM President Bradley Gottfried.
A Memorial Wall has been established in the Campus Center on the La Plata Campus, in the lobby of the C Building on the Leonardtown Campus, and in the student lounge on the Prince Frederick Campus where those wishing to express their concern and sympathy may create Memorial Cards. Memorial messages will be sent to Virginia Tech as part of the “VT SOLIDARITY PROJECT”.
CSM is joining Virginia Tech alumni and friends in declaring Friday, April 20 an “Orange and Maroon Effect” Day. Everyone is invited to join the extended Virginia Tech family by wearing orange and maroon to support the families of those who were lost and to support the Virginia Tech community.
CSM will observe a Moment of Silence at 7:15 a.m., one week after the tragic events. At 9:20 a.m., April 23, the community is invited to “Gather around the Flagpole” to share in the observance of a second Moment of Silence. A brief ceremony will begin simultaneously on all three campuses at 9:15 a.m. with opening remarks and will end with silent reflection at 9:20 a.m., the time the killings began in Norris Hall.
Virginia Tech Memorial Ribbons will be available free April 23 at the Student Life or Student Association offices on the La Plata, Leonardtown and Prince Frederick campuses, and at the Waldorf Center.
For information about these programs or events, contact the Student Life Office (La Plata Campus, 301-934-7509; Leonardtown Campus, 240-725-5321; Prince Frederick Campus, 443-550-6021) or visit www.csmd.edu.