Spring Break
Students cope with Virginia Tech campus massacre
Marisa McStravick
Issue date: 4/20/07 Section: News
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The violence began at 7:15 am when police received a report that two students had been shot in the West Ambler Johnston dormitory.
Officials initially viewed this an isolated incident and alerted students via a campus-wide e-mail.
"The university community is urged to be cautious and are asked to contact Virginia Tech Police if you observe anything suspicious or with information on the case," read the first e-mail.
At 9:50 am another e-mail from authorities read, "A gunman is loose on campus" and urged students to "stay put".
Cho Seung-Hui, 23, an English major at Virginia Tech, has been identified as the shooter. Cho took his own life in Norris Hall where the massacre finally ended according to a statement released by law enforcement.
In the wake of the shootings many colleges and universities across the country have expressed condolences and support for Virginia Tech.
Drexel held a candle light vigil April 18 for students to express their sympathy for those who died at Virginia Tech.
Although Drexel is almost 400 miles from Virgina Tech, there are students on campus who have been affected by the tragedy.
"What happened at Virginia Tech is such an awful disaster," said freshman biology major, Amanda Moyer. "My heart goes out to all the victims and their families," added Moyer.
"Through campus activities students are expressing feelings of concern and feelings of connection and sorrow," said Annette Molyneux, Drexel's Assistant Dean for Counseling and Health Services.
"Students feel a sort of kinship because this happened on another college campus," she said.
"We are all here and ready to meet with students," added Molyneux.
According to Molyneux, Drexel and other colleges must take this event and learn from it. Behavior characteristics like those Cho displayed can no longer be ignored.
"I think there's been a heightened awareness over the years and we are vigilant as it is, but now we have to really step it up a notch," added Molyneux.
"For tomorrow everyone is a Hokie. We're all in the same boat," USGA president Daniel Steinberg said.
"It's a great response because most students weren't closely affected and its nice to see such support. It's going to be recognizable," He addeed
If students wish to seek help or talk to someone about the tragedy they can at anytime stop in, call, or e-mail Drexel's Counseling Center at counseling@drexel.edu.
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