The tragic event at Virginia Tech this week has had a profound impact across the nation, and in particular at colleges and universities. In light of that event, and of our own recent experience with a potential threat to our community, I invite the Rensselaer students, faculty, and staff to come together for a community gathering which will take place on Friday, April 20, in the McNeil Room of the Rensselaer Union at 3 pm.

We will take time then to remember those who died in Virginia, to share our thoughts on the impact of this tragedy, and to discuss ways we can achieve as safe an environment as possible in which we can live, work, and learn in an atmosphere of security and mutual support. We will be joined by the vice presidents, the deans, members of the faculty, and representatives of the various offices that provide security and student services.