MU Remembers Virginia Tech Tragedy with Bell Ringing, Ribbons

April 20, 2007

Story Contact:  Christian Basi, 573-882-4430, BasiC@missouri.edu

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Virginia Governor and University of Missouri-Columbia alumnus Timothy Kaine has asked all states to participate in a day of mourning for the victims of the Virginia Tech tragedy. In response to his request, Governor Matt Blunt announced that Missouri will mark a statewide day of mourning today, Friday, April 20, and has asked churches and communities to participate with a ringing of bells at 11 a.m.

At MU, the bells in Switzler Hall on Francis Quadrangle, the Memorial Union Tower and the Reynolds Alumni Center will ring 32 times; the campus community is asked to observe silence during this period. A wreath with bows of black and gold and orange and maroon (Virginia Tech's colors) will be laid between the two center Columns on Francis Quadrangle during the Tap Day ceremony today.

Missouri Student Association (MSA) members are distributing orange and maroon ribbons to students, faculty and staff across campus, and creating a banner that will be available for signing in A022 Brady Commons. The banner will be sent to Virginia Tech.

A candlelight vigil to honor Virginia Tech students who lost their lives as well as the entire Virginia Tech community was held in front of Memorial Union last Tuesday.

Other colleges and schools may plan individual activities in remembrance of the Hokies.