Virginia Tech is so much a part of this community. It’s almost as if southwest Virginia is synonymous with Hokie territory. I have so many memories of sporting events, move-in days, thousands of smiling faces in a sea of maroon and orange. All of that was gone yesterday as we drove into Blacksburg Monday afternoon. The town, normally bustling with students, was quiet. Police cars were stationed on every corner. There is a heaviness in the air that is hard to describe. The campus is paralyzed and silent. People are trying to absorb the shock of the monumental tragedy, and I don’t know if it will ever be possible.

I can’t help but think of all those families who spent countless hours worrying to find out if their loved ones are okay, and the close to three dozen, who received the worst call they could have ever imagined. I think about the students that never had a chance, and those that survived, witnessing a nightmare play out before their eyes. We know teachers were also victims in this tragedy, going about their Monday morning routine, instilling a future that someone took away.

I pray that this Hokie family will find peace in the days ahead.