Hokies United events
Drew Jackson
April 20 2007
For those who chose to stay on campus, the past couple of days have consisted of constant physical reminders of Monday's devastation. To offer students a temporary distraction from their thoughts, Hokies United, a student organized reaction to tragedies, has organized a night of activities for those on campus.
"The thought process was that while everyone is going through their own grieving process, it is specifically more difficult for those students on campus," said Scott Cheatham, Co-Organizer for Hokies United and senior math education major. "On campus is pretty much vacated right now, so we tried to organize some events geared specifically for those on campus residents where they can come out together in an environment with fellow Hokies."
For most of Thursday, April 19, 2007 Squires' Old Dominion Ballroom had tables set up with cards and board games for students to escape their rooms. Then at 6:30, subs were provided by Jimmy John's and pizza by Dominos.
"We're part of the community, and we should help out in any way we can," said Jimmy John's manager Chris Myers of the restaurant's donation of subs to the Hokies United event in Squires. "Since we're right beside Tech, the way Tech feels is the way we feel, and we just want to support the people that support us."
In addition to the meal and games, Hokies United also organized the showing of "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." The movie was chosen specifically for its cheerful themes that are intended to hopefully clear student's minds, and perhaps produce a few laughs.
"Basically we're just trying to get students together, creating a positive atmosphere where we can mourn together, but at the same time come together," said Ryan Gleeson, sophomore University Studies major.
"It's just a free opportunity for people to come and watch a lighthearted movie together and laugh in a way they probably haven't done for a couple days," continued Cheatham on the movie.
Those in attendance thought it was important for them to stay on campus, their home, and appreciated the opportunity to venture out of their dorm rooms.
"It's my home at this point," said Todd Pattillo, a junior computer science major, of his decision to stay in Blacksburg.
Kelly Joyce, a sophomore animal and poultry science major, was in Jacksonville, Florida visiting her boyfriend on Monday, but felt compelled to return to Virginia Tech.
"I felt like needed to be here · I feel really connected to the campus and wouldn't really feel right being home," said Joyce.
The rain, a widespread campus desertion and a conflict of venue held the numbers of the movie down to around seven, including Joyce and Pattillo, but Cheatham said that turnout wasn't the motivation behind the event.
"Everyone reacts to their grief differently, and I wouldn't presume to know how people are going to deal with this, but we wanted to make sure there were opportunities," said Cheatham. "I would be happy with a couple hundred people, but even if there is only 20 people, that is 20 people that we helped. The turnout really isn't the priority; really it's just having that opportunity for our students."