Message on the Tragedy at Virginia Tech University
 

Message on the Tragedy at Virginia Tech University

By: Chancellor Elaine P. Maimon   Apr 16, 2007

Message on the Tragedy at Virginia Tech University

This morning, a horrific incident occurred on the campus of Virginia Tech University. A lone gunman carrying two handguns shot and killed over 30 people before turning a gun on himself. In addition to the deaths, many more people were injured, some quite seriously. The details of this heinous act are still being revealed, but we knew even after the first facts were reported this morning that this is the bloodiest incident ever on a college campus in the United States.

Our most heartfelt condolences go out to the families, friends, and colleagues of those who were injured and killed this morning.

A violent act of this magnitude is incomprehensible. While we do not ever expect this to happen on our campus, we must consider our own preparedness and remind everyone in our community of the importance of safety. UAA has a Crisis Response Team (CRT) that has always worked steadfastly with University Police, the Municipality of Anchorage, and with UA Statewide to develop plans and procedures for incidents that could affect the health and safety of our university community.

Safety is everyone's business. As a community, we need to look after one another and help each other when needed. Please take a moment to review the attached safety checklist that covers a variety of scenarios.

Here are our counseling resources for anyone at UAA wishing to access them:

University Resources:
UAA Student Health Center 786-4040
UAA Psychological Services 786-1795
UAA Student Affairs Counselors 786-6158

Community Resources:
Southcentral Foundation 729-4955

The details of a memorial service here for the victims at Virginia Tech will be forthcoming. Planning is underway now.

Elaine