Siena College and St. Bonaventure University held prayer services last week in honor of the 32 people killed April 16 on the campus of Virginia Tech. Candlelight vigils and moments of silence on Tuesday and Wednesday were among the tributes offered in recognition of the tragedy in Blacksburg, Va.
Both colleges posted on their Web sites letters to their communities expressing not only their sympathies to the families and friends of the victims at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University but descriptions of security and counseling services available to students and staff.
In his letter, Siena president Kevin Mackin said, ”We wish the victims, their families and friends God’s grace as they face the challenging process of healing.” He added that in times of sadness and personal confusion, the center for counseling and student development is an essential service staffed by caring professionals.”
Sister Margaret Carney, OSF, president of St. Bonaventure, said that “in our post-9/11 and post-Katrina world, St. Bonaventure University has joined our fellow colleges and universities across the nation in disaster preparedness planning and process review with guidance from national and regional organizations.”
College leaders recommended that security concerns be brought to the attention of the college administrators.
Kevin said, “Procedures at Siena College are constantly being evaluated in order to encourage a safe and healthy community.”