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RWC has diverse reactions to Virginia Tech massacre

Following the Virginia Tech tragedy, the reaction of RWC students, staff, faculty and administrators dramatically ranged from no reaction, to retreating alone, to creative expression and everything in between.On April 16, the day of the shooting, UC President Zimpher offered the following condolences to the Virginia Tech Community: “On behalf of the University of Cincinnati community, I offer my deepest sympathy to our colleagues at Virginia Tech at this time of heinous loss. Our thoughts are with the victims’ families and friends as well as the students, faculty, staff, President Charles Steger and the entirety of the Virginia Tech family. We are truly stunned by this senseless and horrific act of violence. Any death is a tragedy, and in this case our shock and grief are heightened by the extensive loss of life.”

On April 17 at 2 p.m. all of UC observed a moment of silence at President Zimpher’s request. The moment of silence corresponded with a planned gathering on the Virginia Tech campus. The moment of silence was marked by the ringing of the bells of Tangeman University Center.

In the days after, here on the RWC campus, reactions to the tragedy included an argument between a former Marine and some unknown staff members through an administrator over when flying the flag at half-staff was appropriate. Reactions also included the creative work of Professor Mike Roos, an English department faculty member, who wrote and recorded over only a few days the song titled “Blacksburg.” The song was featured on April 20 on the Roanoke Times Timescast. “I wrote “Blacksburg” completely out of the deepest sympathy and respect for the victims at Virginia Tech and their family,” Roos explained. “I was just trying to make sense out of it, but of course, I’m not finding any.”

Professor Roos’s response is deeply contrasted by the 21-year old student approached in the lobby of Muntz Hall, who on April 23 had “not really thought about the shootings,” stating they did not have much to do with his life. “It’s not like I knew anyone there,” he said. He did admit he “guess[ed] it was really important to the people who lost someone there.”

A Student Government member responded that he only thinks about it when he is alone and life around him is not quite so busy. Then he finds it “kind of sad,” and so he finds something else to do.

No matter what the response is, RWC and UC want everyone to know that counseling is available to anyone who wants or needs it. An e-mail went out to the entire community stating the following: “People often have difficult emotional reactions to unimaginable events like this. We encourage students to contact the Counseling Center for needed assistance. No appointment is needed. Faculty and staff are also welcome to contact the Counseling Center to discuss ways they may assist students or cope with their own personal reactions. The center is located in Room 316, Dyer and may be reached at 556-0648. For those who prefer ministry, Campus Ministries is available by calling 861-2929.” On the RWC campus, contact Student Affairs in Muntz Hall 125 for assistance.

The lyrics for “Blacksburg” can be found at www.myspace.com/mikeroosmusic. To watch the podcast of the Roanoke Times featuring the song and artist, go to this link.