College of Engineering remember their fallen
Rosanna Brown, CT News Reporter
April 26 2007
A black silken table adorned a table with 14 white candles lit Cassell Coliseum last night were for remembrance of the 14 lost from the Virginia Tech College of Engineering.
Several faculty and friends spoke about each of the 14 victims personally.
Students remembered Bryan Bluhm as always being happy and having a goofy smile on his face.
Chris Strock, a friend of Bluhm said, "that was just Bryan, a nice guy and a good friend."
Kevin P. Granata was memorialized by one of his fellow colleagues, Mike Madigan, "Kevin Granata was a world class researcher·Kevin Granata was a world class person," Madigan said.
Matthew Gregory Gwaltney was described as "not see(ing) individuals, (but seeing) humanity," said Joshua Joseph. "Because of knowing Matthew Gregory, our lives are better."
Jeremy Michael Herbstritt was known for his boundless energy and enthusiasm. His fellow classmate reminisced talking to him about the farm life they shared when they were younger.
"His gift for taking everything in stride·always amazed me," said Rachel Methvin, an Environmental Engineering Major at Tech.
Jarrett Lee Lane was an "unforgettable part of the Virginia Tech family," said Marc Edwards.
When asked to list his priorities in his teacher's class they were the following: God, Family, and Virginia Tech. Lane was described as "(making) the most of everything he had," Edwards said.
Henry J. Lee was remembered as an "avid reader with innate curiosity," said Leslie Pendleton.
He came to Roanoke at the age of 7 from Vietnam and was one out of 10 children. It was said that, "Henry made you sore on orange and maroon wings."
Liviu Librescu, who survived the Holocaust, was described by his colleague, Romesh Batra, as a "world class reasearcher and educator."
Batra also described how he "displayed courage and valour during his final moments."
G.V. Loganathan was "a gentle and humble man," said William Knocke.
Partahi Mamora Halomoan Lumbantoruan had a smile that was "contagious," said Morgan Eddy.
As a "selfless human being," Eddy said how he sacrificed his life for another in his last moments.
Daniel O'Neil was remembered for his passion for music. "Now your music sings the conversation we didn't have," said Tim Moore.
Juan Ramon Ortiz-Ortiz was recollected fondly by Esther Ryan. "He was tranquil and quiet but he was great," Ryan said.
Julia Kathleen Pryde had a laugh that everyone loved to hear, said Mary Leigh Wolfe.
"One of her strongest passions was to improve the environment and making the world a better place."
Waleed Mohamed Shaalan "was funny and made new friends very quickly," said Amr El-Sayed. He was a husband and devoted father.
He was known for "his large smile, his sense of humor, and his dedication to his work and his students," El-Sayed said.
Maxine Shelly Turner was "always willing to help others do well," said Dr. Y.A.Liu. A letter read from a High School colleague of Turner's said, "We have so much to learn from Maxine."
Paul Torgersen made some concluding remarks where he charged students to take up the aspirations of the 14 victims from the engineering department.
Dr. Chris Flynn, Director of the Cook Counseling Center, was sincere in providing his counseling services to those grieving in the Virginia Tech Community at the service. He related to the loss of the family members present to the loss of his own Father and the sadness he experience therein.
A musical reflection took place so as to console the audience by turning their thoughts towards the good memories of those lost. The music seemed to resonate the emotions of the heart-felt families, friends, and faculty that were present.