Guest Author - Michelle Anne Cope

It’s a new year at Virginia Tech. For many, it will be their first venture into college classes, for others, it will be a return. This is a special new beginning. Friends will reunite and embrace, while others will not be present at all. New textbooks, schedule changes, homework and football will be in the forefront. But, in the shadows, in the background, there will always be the memory of April 16, 2007. On that day, a lone gunman killed 32 people before shooting himself. The tragedy will never be forgotten, but university officials are hoping the campus can do a little more healing this fall.

As it is with all healing, things may never be the same. Different is often hard to take, the adjustments take time. There is no place in a college handbook that can really outline or explain what to do or expect of yourself and the feelings of others after such a tragedy. But, life will continue. It has to continue. As with many things in life, the good and the bad, there is always music. Virginia Tech will begin the 2007- 2008 school year by filling the air with music.

The Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, Phil Vassar and Nas will hold a concert at Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium on September 6, 2007. All four of the musical acts have waived their fees as corporate sponsors and commemorative concert items will help to cover the concert expenses.

Tickets will be offered free to students, faculty and staff. There are no plans for public sales at this time.

It’s hard to believe that the summer is almost at an end. Throughout most of the United States, there have been hot humid days filled with forever sunshine. My hope for the new and old students who will be returning to Virginia Tech in September, is that some of the forever summer sunshine can live in their hearts and minds as they start a new academic adventure. They are strong and they have survived.

As I mentioned, the concert is not open to the public, however, the general public is invited to the August 19th dedication of the permanent memorial. You can find more details at the link I have provided at the bottom.

Go Hokies!
Chel