UM Issues Statement About Virginia Shootings
 

The University of Montana, like every other college campus in the nation, is on a heightened state of alert and awareness today in the wake of the devastating Virginia Tech shootings.

UM has a full-time police force on campus and agreements in place with local law enforcement with SWAT capabilities. UM officials meet regularly to discuss crisis strategies and have formulated emergency procedures.

"We have a good record for safety here," said UM President George Dennison, "and safety for our students and all campus citizens is always our foremost concern at all times. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this unimaginable tragedy."

The University of Montana 

 On Campus Today
 Events Express Sympathy For Blacksburg Community

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.

 

 UM Collects Words Of Support for VT
 

As UM flags fly at half-mast, students can express their sympathy in the University Center by writing notes to members of the Virginia Tech community that will be sent to the reeling school.

Students, staff and faculty are encouraged to sign a banner that reads, "We support you, Virginia Tech," or attach a personal note. The banner, notes and formal letters from UM administrators will be sent to Virginia Tech this Friday, April 20.