The Texas Tower

Forty years ago last week things changed. Americans watching TV in the afternoon saw Charles Whitman gun down more than 30 people on a college campus. Whitman was the first to open fire in a public area. In 1966, it was unthinkable. It was shocking.


Thirty-nine years ago, I became a student at that same college. Here is a view of the campus taken from the tower observation deck where Charles Whitman took aim in 1966 looking down where I walked between classes a year later.
The tower is a symbol of the University of Texas. When the football team wins, the tower is lit in orange, announcing the victory to the entire Austin community. It was enough to make the students proud. Hook 'em Horns.

The tower observation deck was closed for over 20 years, but it is open now. Enjoy the view.

technorati tags: ut, universityoftexas, charleswhitman, texastower,

Today We Are All Hokies

I recently met a new Internet friend, a young girl from Amsterdam, who sent this message to me after receiving it from her friend who was on the Virginia Tech campus Monday morning. These are her words.

Hi All,

This is from my friend Sandy who was just here visiting last month. She was on campus on Monday during the shootings. It is a small way to be supportive … but it means a lot. She is physically safe … but it has been a hard week for her emotionally … as it has been for everyone who witnessed it.

Jilladair

I know these are not always the prettiest colors together, but in lieu of the tragedy on our campus this week, we hope you will help us begin to heal across the nation.
HOKIE HOPE – ORANGE & MAROON EFFECT, Friday, April 20^th
Virginia Tech family members across the country have united to declare this Friday, April 20^th, an “Orange and Maroon Effect” day to honor those killed in the tragic events on campus Monday, and to show support for Virginia Tech students, faculty, administrators, staff, alumni and friends. “Orange and Maroon Effect” was born several years ago as an invitation to Tech fans to wear orange and maroon to Virginia Tech athletic events. We invite everyone from all over the country to be a part of the Virginia Tech family this Friday, to wear orange and maroon to support the families of those who were lost, and to support the school and community we all love so much.

Sincerely,

Sandy Wirt

Student Programs Director
YMCA at Virginia Tech
312 Squires Student Center (0546)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Office (540)231-3734
Fax (540)231-9625

"Building community through learning, leadership and service."

In August, I wrote a post honoring the victims of the shooting at the University of Texas (UT), my school, forty years ago. Charles Whitman gunned down 30 people from the tower, killing 14. UT understands.

The tower was darkened for two nights this week in remembrance of the Virginia Tech students. A vigil is scheduled for Monday, and the tower will again be darkened. Orange and maroon will probably be plentiful on campus today. UT understands.

technorati tags: ut, universityoftexas, vt, virginiatech, masacre, shootings, orangeandmaroon, hokiehope, vickisblog