President Christ Offers the Sympathies of the Smith Community to Virginia Tech Students and Families

April 17, 2007

The tragic events at Virginia Tech have touched all of us in higher education, as we seek to educate students in an environment of safety and freedom. The thoughts, support and deepest sympathies of all of us at Smith are with the students, faculty and staff of Virginia Tech as they begin the work of restoring their community and moving forward in the difficult days ahead. We will join the nation in lowering the College Hall flag as a gesture of respect for the victims, their families and their friends and teachers.

Dean of Religious Life Jennifer Walters will lead a service at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, in the Helen Hills Hills Chapel, to remember those killed and injured. All are invited. In addition, the SGA and the staff of the Campus Center invite all members of the Smith community to show support for Virginia Tech by writing a message of concern on banners that will be sent to the university to hang in its student union. The banners are located on the first level, near the Goldstein Lounge.

Incidents like this naturally lead us to reflect on our own safety. The college has developed a comprehensive crisis management plan and, like other institutions, is actively reviewing it in light of yesterday’s tragedy. Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our students and employees and we are committed to safety and security programs of the highest caliber.

Sincerely,
Carol T. Christ