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2017 Day of Remembrance Events

As details are confirmed the schedule will be updated. Please visit this site for updated information. Updated April 13, 2017; additional chapters added.

April 16 update: See photos and video from 2017 Day of Remembrance events.

Friday, April 14

  • 7 p.m. — Performance in Remembrance — Moss Arts Center
    All members of the community are invited to attend a performance to commemorate and reflect on the lives lost on April 16, 2007, at Virginia Tech. The program will feature the Virginia Tech Wind Ensemble and Choirs and the student-led Contemporary Dance Ensemble, among others. The Moss Arts Center will host a related installation for reflection and remembrance in the Miles C. Horton Jr. and Sherwood Payne Quillen ‘71 Reception Galleries beginning April 12. This event is free and open to the public.

Saturday, April 15

  • 10 a.m. — 3.2 Mile Run in Remembrance — Virginia Tech Campus
    Online registration is now open.  For more information please visit the Rec Sports website
  • NEW TIME 10 a.m. — First Responder Appreciation Day at Virginia Tech Baseball  English Field at Union Park (due to threat of weather)
    Please join the Virginia Tech community to show appreciation for our first responders, public safety and medical personnel as the Virginia Tech baseball team takes on the University of Virginia. Admission is free for all fans.
  • 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. — Community Picnic — Drillfield
    An event designed for the entire community. Enjoy food from local vendors provided at the event on a first-come, first-served basis; attendees are encouraged to bring additional food and picnic blankets.
  • Other Virginia Tech Athletic Events: Softball will take on Louisville in a doubleheader beginning at (NEW TIME) 10:30 a.m. at Tech Softball Park, and Women's Tennis will play N.C. State at 3 p.m. in the Burrows-Burleson Tennis Center. Admission is free.

Sunday, April 16

  • Midnight — Lighting of Ceremonial Candle — April 16 Memorial
    A candle will be lit by members of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets and representatives of the student body. The Corps of Cadets will stand guard for 32 minutes. The candle will remain lit for 24 hours.
  • 9:43 a.m. — Wreath Laying and Moment of Silence — April 16 Memorial
  • Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Virginia Tech President Tim Sands, and President Emeritus Charles Steger will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony prior to the 9:43 a.m. statewide moment of silence.
  • 2:30 p.m. — University Commemoration — April 16 Memorial
    A university-wide commemoration event will be held on the Drillfield at the April 16 Memorial. The program will recognize the 32 students and faculty who lost their lives on April 16, 2007.
  • 7:30 p.m. — Candlelight Vigil — April 16 Memorial
    A candlelight vigil will be held on the Drillfield at the April 16 Memorial to recognize the 32 students and faculty who lost their lives on April 16, 2007. The event is being planned by Virginia Tech students representing a variety of student organizations. Candles will be provided.
  • 11:59 p.m. — Extinguishing of Ceremonial Candle — April 16 Memorial
    Members of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets will stand guard for 32 minutes prior to the 11:59 p.m. extinguishing. The candle will be extinguished, and the light will be carried back into Burruss Hall, representing the commitment to never forget.

    Note: In the event of inclement weather, event updates will be posted to this page.

Expressions of Remembrance

  • Sending You All Our Love
    Condolence items from colleges and universities, including the large VT shrine and a sample of the white boards signed locally on the Drillfield
    University Libraries in partnership with Student Engagement and Campus Life
    Old Dominion Ballroom, Squires Student Center
    Saturday, April 8, Noon – 5:00 p.m.
    Sunday, April 9 – Friday, April 14, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
    Saturday, April 15, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    Sunday, April 16, 1:00 – 7:00 p.m.
  • A Community of Learners, a Legacy of Achievement
    A selection of books in honor of the students and faculty lost on April 16, 2007
    Newman Library Learning Commons, April 8-16
    Saturday, 9 a.m. — 10 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. — midnight; Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. -
    midnight; Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Remembering Those Lost: Selections from the April 16, 2007 Condolence Archives
    Special Collections exterior and interior cases, Newman Library, first floor, April 8-16
    Exterior cases during library hours; Special Collections, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Center for Peace Studies & Violence Prevention Open House
    Friday, April 14, 4:30  p.m. — 6:30 p.m. — 2nd Floor, Norris Hall
  • Elizabeth Wallace Pastels of the 32 Hokies Lost on April 16, 2007
    Alumni Gallery, 2nd Floor of the Holtzman Alumni Center
    Moved by the tragedy, Ms. Wallace, an artist in California, originally created a set of 32 pastel portraits for each person killed on April 16, 2007, which was either sent to the person’s family or is being kept in storage. Charles Steger commissioned Ms. Wallace to create a second set of pastels for the university community to keep in perpetuity. This display will be available Wednesday, April 12 – Wednesday, May 3, during normal business hours (M- F, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). The Alumni Gallery will also be open on Saturday, April 15, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 16, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • April 16th Archive Display
    Alumni Museum, 1st Floor of the Holtzman Alumni Center
    Select items from the April 16th Archive will be on display. This display will be available Wednesday, April 12 – Wednesday, May 3, during normal business hours (M- F, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). The Alumni Museum will also be open on Saturday, April 15, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 16, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Drillfield Yoga: An Expression of Remembrance
    Friday, April 14, 5:00 p.m. – Drillfield
    Virginia Tech Recreational Sports and Inbalance Yoga will host a yoga class for the community. We invite you to use this time to quiet your heart and reflect through the practice of yoga. This class is free and open to the public.
  • Places for Quiet Reflection
    Read descriptions on each place and find them on the campus map.

Alumni Chapter Remembrance Events

ATLANTA HOKIES

Run/Walk

Saturday, April 15, 2017, 9 a.m.
Chastain Park picnic shelter

We'll provide water and light refreshments. Feel free to bring your family, friends, coworkers, pets and be sure to wear lots of orange and maroon.

CENTRAL FLORIDA HOKIES

Sunset Walk Or Run In Remembrance

Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 6:30 p.m.
Gators Dockside in Baldwin Park

Meet for a remembrance of the tragedy at Virginia Tech, during this 10th anniversary year. There will be a candlelight vigil to follow. Plan to meet by the fountain near Gators Dockside in Baldwin Park, complete your distance and then grab a drink with your fellow Hokies at Gators.

CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER

3.2 for 32 Run/Walk in Remembrance

Saturday, April 15, 2017 | 9 a.m. (rain or shine)
Bullfrog Valley Park, 470 Bullfrog Valley Road, Hummelstown, PA 17036

Join the Central Pennsylvania Hokies for a 3.2 run/walk in remembrance on Saturday, April 15, at 9 a.m. The event will be held rain or shine and families and pets are welcome. Participants are invited to bring their own picnic lunch to enjoy after the run with fellow Hokies. For more information, email Lyndsey Royeck and Jim Profeto at centralpahokies@gmail.com.

CENTRAL VIRGINIA HOKIES

Memorial 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, April 15, 2017, 10 a.m.
Percival's Island "Love" sign in downtown Lynchburg

We will honor the 32 victims of 4/16/07. Wear your Hokie colors proudly. Rain or shine.

CHARLESTON CHAPTER

3.2 for 32 Walk/Run in Remembrance

Saturday, April 15, 2017 | 9 a.m.
Marion Square (Meet at the Calhoun Statue)

We will have a 3.2 mile Walk/Run in Remembrance around downtown Charleston, S.C., to honor our fellow Hokie students and teachers lost ten years ago, on April 16, 2007. Join us after the walk/run for some food and socializing at the Charleston Farmers Market. For questions, contact Charleston Chapter president Tiffany P. Ritchie at pripeton@gmail.com.

CHARLOTTE CHAPTER

VT Remembrance Candlelight Vigil

Sunday, April 16, 2017 — 7 p.m.
Marshall Park, 800 E 3rd St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Join the Charlotte Hokies on April 16 to honor, through a Candlelight Vigil, the 32 Hokies we lost 10 years ago. Please visit our Remembrance Page for more information.

DENVER CHAPTER

3.2 for 32 Walk/Run in Remembrance

Saturday, April 15, 2017 — 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Wash Park, Denver South High School, 1700 E. Louisiana Ave, Denver, CO 80210

Group photo will be taken at 11 a.m. sharp in front of the school. Potluck picnic immediately following the walk/run.

Contact Ernie Flippo for more information.

FAUQUIER CHAPTER

Candle Lighting Ceremony followed by Community Service Clean-Up Project

Saturday, April 15, 2017 | 9 a.m.
Corner of Routes 605 and 29, Warrenton, VA

FIRST STATE CHAPTER

Virginia Tech Day of Remembrance and Habitat for Humanity Service Project Saturday, April 8, 2017 — 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“Walnut Ridge” Building Site (14th & Walnut Streets in Wilmington, DE)

On Saturday, April 8th, the First State Chapter will support Habitat for Humanity at the "Walnut Ridge" building site. Working alongside the future homeowner, we will help build a new home for a dedicated, committed, and needy family. No construction experience needed, and everyone is welcome to pitch in and help.

Please arrive at the building site (14th & Walnut Streets in Wilmington, DE) by 8 am. After a safety and job scope briefing, we will get to work, stopping for a lunch break at mid-day.

Pre-registration is necessary. Please e-mail Harold Schneikert at haroldschneikert@comcast.net by March 31. Hal will then send you further instructions/directions to the job site by e-mail.

FREDERICKSBURG CHAPTER

April 16 Day of Remembrance Community Service Project

Sunday, April 16, 2017 — 1 p.m.
Thurman Brisben Homeless Shelter, 471 Central Rd., Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Help your fellow community members by showing your Hokie Support in our efforts to feed the homeless. Chapter members will be providing an Easter meal at Thurman Brisben (www.brisbencenter.org)

We are seeking monetary donations or Wal-Mart gifts cards to help with the event. Donations can be sent to: Jim Brown (Chapter Treasurer) 9 Wallace Farms Lane, Fredericksburg VA 22406. Checks should be made out to Fredericksburg Chapter VTAA. Please indicate on check its designation for Remembrance Fund.

We are also hosting a supply drop off event on April 3 at Home Team Grill from 6-8pm. Any questions please do not hesitate to contact:
Jamie Marshall, Chapter Community Service Chair, at vtjmp78@gmail.com

GREATER SEATTLE CHAPTER

3.2 for 32 Run/Walk in Remembrance

Sunday, April 16, 2017 | Time TBD
Green Lake, Seattle, WA

Check our website or Facebook group for more information

HOUSTON CHAPTER

Golf Tournament in Remembrance

Saturday, April 15, 2017
Hearthstone Golf Club, 7615 Ameswood Rd., Houston, TX 77095

Check our Facebook group for more information

LOS ANGELES CHAPTER

3.2K or 3.2mi run

Sunday, April 16, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Palisades Park, Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, California 90401

Facebook event

MINNESOTA CHAPTER

3.2 for 32 Run/Walk/Bike in Remembrance

Check our Facebook group for more information

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION CHAPTER

INOVA Blood Drive

Monday, April 17, 2017
Virginia Tech Northern Virginia Center, 7054 Haycock Rd., Falls Church, VA

Check our website or Facebook page for more information

NEW ENGLAND HOKIES

Annual 3.2 mile Run in Remembrance

Saturday, April 15, 12:45 p.m.
Meet at northeast corner of Boston Common, near Park Street Station

Following the run, we will gather at the Beantown Pub (100 Tremont St, Boston, MA).

PALMETTO CHAPTER

Annual Remembrance Event: Greenville Drive Volunteer Opportunity

Sunday, April 9, 2017
Fluor Field, Greenville, SC

Follow our Facebook group for more information

PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER

3.2 for 32 Walk in Remembrance — 10th Anniversary

Saturday, April 8, 2017 — 2 to 5 p.m.
Flourtown Pavilion at Fort Washington State Park

The event will take place on the Green Ribbon Trail within Fort Washington State Park, near the Flourtown Pavilion. Light refreshments will be provided. This is a family and friend-friendly event (including your 4-legged friends). Please wear your Maroon and Orange to show support!

The suggested donation to participate is $10 per adult and $5 per child (6-17) with children under 6 free. Donations will go to cover the cost of the event. Pre-registration by April 1 is preferred so we can plan accordingly, but it is not required.

More information is available on our website: http://phillyhokies.weebly.com/32-for-32-walkrun-in-remembrance.html

RICHMOND CHAPTER

10th Anniversary VT Memorial Blood Drives (3 Locations)

To honor the memory of those we lost on 4/16/07, the Richmond Chapter will host 3 blood drives with a goal of collecting 100+ units. We encourage you to pre-register and donate at the following area blood drives:

April 17, 2017 — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cobb Technologies, 1000 Technology Park Dr., Glen Allen, VA 23059 (Virginia Center Commons area)
https://donateblood.vablood.org
To pre-register, please log in using Donor ID, then search by Group Code and enter “7755”

April 18, 2017 — 12 to 6 p.m.
Christ Episcopal Church, 5000 Pouncey Tract Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23059 (Short Pump area)
To pre-register, please visit www.redcrossblood.org and type Sponsor Code “RVAHokies”

April 19, 2017 — 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
RiverFront Plaza, 951 East Byrd Street, Richmond, VA 23219 (Downtown)
https://donateblood.vablood.org
To pre-register, please log in using Donor ID, then search by Group Code and enter “7755”

SAN ANTONIO HOKIES

Community Gathering

Sunday, April 23, 2017, 2 p.m.
The Cove (606 W Cypress, SA, TX 78212)

Please join the San Antonio Hokies to honor the 32 lives lost on April 16, 2007. In the spirit of Ut Prosim, we will be collecting canned food to donate to the San Antonio Food Bank. Our goal is to collect 100 lbs. of food. See our Facebook page for a list of the top-12 most-wanted food items by the Food Bank. The Cove is a family friendly restaurant with a play area for kids. Parking is available behind the restaurant as well as on the street. Please RSVP by Thursday, April 20 if you plan to attend vtaasa@yahoo.com

SHENANDOAH CHAPTER

9th Annual Memorial Blood Drive

Friday, April 14, 2017, 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Youth Development Center, Winchester, VA

10th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony at the Virginia Tech Memorial Garden

Friday, April 14, 2017, 7 p.m. to sunset
Sherando Park, Stephens City, VA

Check our website or Facebook group for more information

TIDEWATER CHAPTER

Memorial Service/Monument Dedication

Sunday, April 16, 2017, 7:00 p.m.
VT Hampton Roads Center, 1444 Diamond Spring Road, Virginia Beach, VA

The Tidewater Chapter invites the Tidewater Hokie Nation to honor the members of our Hokie family who lost their lives 10 years ago. The monument is to remember those 32 precious lives. This event is open to the public, will be held rain or shine, and will last about an hour. Please feel free to wear your orange and maroon in solidarity!

TRIANGLE HOKIES

The Triangle Hokies will be holding events throughout the week of April 8th – April 16th. The current list of events is below, with links for each with more information.

We hope everyone will be able to join as we honor our fellow Hokies and the spirit of Ut Prosim.

Alumni Big Event – Adopt-a-Highway

Saturday, April 8, 10:30 a.m.
Meet in the Harris Teeter parking lot at 5563 Western Blvd in Raleigh

See the chapter Facebook event page for more info.

Food Bank Service

Wednesday, April 12, 6 – 8 p.m.
Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina at 1924 Capital Blvd, Raleigh

See the chapter Facebook event page for more info.

3.2 for 32 Memorial Run

Saturday, April 15, 11:30 a.m.
Walk/run will be at Big Boss Brewing,1249 Wicker Driver, Raleigh

See the chapter Facebook event page for more info.

VIRGINIA TECH SOUTHWEST CENTER IN ABINGDON

April 14 – WE REMEMBER

10TH Annual Blood Drive
Planting of a tree at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center

A ceremony will be held on the campus of Virginia Highlands Community College where a tree was planted on the one-year anniversary of the Virginia Tech tragedy. Another tree will be planted on Monday, April 17th at 10:00 a.m. Participants in this ceremony will gather outside the Rachel Fowlkes Tiered Executive Auditorium to observe a moment of silence to honor those who were lost on April 16, 2007. The group will then move on to where a tree will be planted to commemorate the 10th Anniversary.

5K Run

April 15

David Matlock, Executive Director, Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center and Dr. Gene Couch, President, Virginia Highlands Community College will lead a 5K to commemorate the 10 year anniversary of the loss of lives at Virginia Tech. For more information contact Penny McCallum, pmccallum@swcenter.edu.

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For more information, please email or call Kelly McCann at klgrffn@vt.edu, 540-231-0062. For the most up to date schedule of remembrance events, please check back.

Download a PDF version of the schedule.