On April 16, 2007, the worst campus massacre ever occurred on the campus of Virginia Tech.  Located in the charming, polite town of Blacksburg, it is an environment that will instantly win over anyone.  The usual campus energy can be felt but the university has a symbiotic relationship with Blacksburg residents.  Snow in some depth can be seen on the ground usually from January to March and the wind blows a bone chilling cold that students learn to accept quickly.

It is in this place that I remember fondly, where I made forever friends, grew up a little, and always, always felt safe. 

The commonwealth tried to do all it could to somehow make up for the death and life altering injuries suffered that day in April, many years after I departed my haven there.  No one was fired outright, the university president stayed and I do not doubt the sorrow and regret felt by those under whose watch murder unfolded 32 times over.

The Richmond Times Dispatch has done a great journalistic inquiry into the reports and facts recorded about what went so tragically wrong and how courage led some to risk everything to save a few.  The details are disturbing yet touching.

Two families of Tech victims decided not to settle with the university legal offer and are suing the school and some individuals directly whom they feel bear some responsibility.  It is easy for me to sit and think "let it go, nothing can bring your family members back."  Yet over the past years, I have changed my mind in support of these two sets of survivors.

When I think back with my emotion, having not known the 32 victims, I feel as if I am being hit by a sledgehammer.  I cannot imagine what the families feel.  But I support those who are pursuing court action.  Too many things went wrong that day to be dismissed as an unusual set of circumstances for which no one bears responsbility.

I would ask that the university president, Charles W. Steger, resign, and have thought so for years.  He will stand trial as an individual in the two family cases, a Circuit Court has ruled.  It is a tragedy that circumstances brought us to this point. 

Obviously, I am proud of my alma mater.  But another fact weighs in my decision against Dr. Steger.  In January, 2009, another very violent death of a student at the hands of another disturbed student occurred on campus in front of many witnesses.  Many of those details have been glossed over.  Then in August, 2009, two more students were murdered at a nearby camp ground, known to students for decades.  The total of victims now stands at 35 in less than three years.

A better assessment of student phsychological profiles needs to be completed for each applicant there.  Whoever is in the post of safety and security on campus needs replacement.  And Dr. Steger, you must go.  Your leadership ended in 2007 in my eyes.

A fresh leadership and different officials can bring new ideas and hopefully bring back the haven I remember.  When I attended, a town motto was "Blacksburg...A Special Place."  It still is.  Just ask anyone who has been there.