The events that unfolded on the Virginia Tech campus mark a very tragic chapter in the history of higher education. As we read the news and watch the story unfold, we are trying to make sense of this incomprehensible act of violence that has resonated throughout our community.
Many of you have asked if Ohio University is prepared to handle a similar tragedy. Please let me reassure you that we are prepared to handle a wide range of critical response incidents including floods, fires, and random acts of violence. We have a critical response team that is trained to respond to such incidents using a variety of tactics. This group meets on an ongoing basis to continuously assess and evaluate our response plans. Our top priority is safety and security and we will do everything possible to that end.
Members of our University community have organized an event to honor the victims of the tragedy that has gripped the Virginia Tech community. The students who are organizing this event would like us to show our support for the victims on Wednesday, April 18, by wearing Virginia Tech's school colors, which are maroon and burnt orange. A candlelight vigil will be held at 9 p.m. that same evening on the West Portico of Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium.
Please join me in offering our thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims and the Virginia Tech community.
Cordially,
Roderick J. McDavis President
Office of the President Cutler Hall 108, Athens, Ohio 45701 Tel: 740.593.1804
