<p>From St. Olaf College:</p>
<p>Dear members of the St. Olaf Community;</p>
<p>It is a beautiful spring day on campus...taiko drums are beating on the
Mellby lawn, students are relaxing or studying in Adirondack chairs and
in benches on the Buntrock Plaza. Others are going for a bike ride,
taking a walk downtown or a long run through the natural lands. It is a
typical Minnesota spring day for which we are greatful....for the sun,
and simply to be here, in our college community.</p>
<p>We are shockingly mindful though, of the tragedy that has befallen our
colleagues at Virgina Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia.<br>
Currently, news reports list that 33 people are dead, most of them
students, as well as the gunman. Details will certainly emerge in the
next several days, and we are sure to know soon exactly what happened.</p>
<p>But, the question of "why" may never be fully understood. We asked that
question after Columbine, after 9/11, and after every other seemingly
senseless tragedy that captivated the nation. We ask, "Could it happen
in our community?" No one, it seems, is immune, and thoughts naturally
come back to our campus...our home.</p>
<p>There are no easy answers here. What we do provide is community that
expects mutual support of each other, that elebrates daily life, that
bears on, and that works to serve as an example of civility and caring
in a world that can be really, really conflicted. Virginia Tech is one
example of this...but unfortunately the world is full of other examples.</p>
<p>Tonight we have the Cantorei home concert. Tommorow, as every day, we
have Chapel. We have each other, and we have our extended families. In
each of these, we can find community, comfort and a sense of security
that is more lasting than locks and hardware.</p>
<p>As we come together wherever we are, we can pray for the people of
Virginia Tech and for those affected by this tragedy. If you or anyone
you know in our community is affected personally by the events in
Virginia, please contact the Counseling Center, Pastor's Office, Dean of
Students Office or anyone else who can assist you.</p>
<p>God's Peace to all of us, and to our brothers and sisters at Virginia Tech.</p>
<p>Greg Kneser
Dean of Students</p>