The bells of Main Hall on the UM campus tolled for five minutes at noon today to coincide with a memorial at Virginia Tech. They will ring again at 7 p.m. this evening, when a candlelight vigil will be held on the UM Oval.

President Dennison announced the solemn events in a memo:

"While we cannot attend to express our respect, mourning, concern, and common Humanity, we can join in spirit," the memo said. "The bells in University Hall will toll for five minutes in honor and commemoration of the victims and as our expression of deep sympathy for those who have lost loved ones. I urge everyone within the sound of the bells to pause, reflect, and in your own way express sorrow for the losses that so many families have suffered.

"Again, at 7 p.m., the bells will toll for five minutes as students, faculty, and staff gather on the Oval in a candlelight vigil to honor the memories and lives of those killed and injured, and to express support for our counterparts at Virginia Tech, for their families, and for their friends."

Dennison's memo concludes, "Thank you for caring during a deeply troubling time."

Tonight's candlelight vigil is being organized by the Associated Students of UM. It starts at 6:45 p.m. in front of Main Hall and members of the Missoula community are invited to join members of the campus community.

ASUM will provide 100 candles, but people are encouraged to bring their own as well. Representatives of Campus Ministries and other counseling resources will be available.