Virginia Tech memorial and forum Monday

A memorial and forum paying tribute to the 32 people at Virginia Tech who died at the hands of a student will be presented at California State University, Fresno on Monday, April 23, at 9 a.m. in the Free Speech Area. The one-hour event will be followed by the planting of a memorial garden.

“Virginia Tech – Remember, Discuss, Prepare” is presented by University Student Union Productions and the Division of Student Affairs for students, faculty, staff and the community, as part of the National Moment of Silence declared by Virginia Tech on Friday.

University officials will provide information about the tragedy’s impact on Fresno State, about counseling services available on campus and what the university does to maintain security and safety.

A banner will be available for people to sign, along with materials to make cards expressing personal thoughts. They will be sent to Virginia Tech.

The memorial will include a reading of the names of the shooting victims, a vocal rendition of “Amazing Grace” by Fresno State student Erica Dement and a moment of silence before the University Carillon rings out a tribute.

Immediately following, a garden will be planted at the southeast corner of the Henry Madden Library. Three redbud trees and a plaque will memorialize the dead. Later in the week, three dogwoods, the state flower of Virginia, will be planted as a memorial in front of the Engineering East building at San Ramon Avenue and Jackson Drive.

The forum will feature three university officials and topics:

Dr. Paul Oliaro, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, will discuss the impact of the tragedy on the Fresno State community
Gena Gechter, Psychological Services director, will speak about psychological services available to students to deal with the tragedy
David Huerta, University police chief, will speak on campus safety, policies and procedures at Fresno State

The speakers will take questions from the audience, and tables will be set up to provide additional information on the topics.

Earlier this week, the university sent a statement to the campus community about procedures for providing information and contacting students, faculty and staff in emergencies.

On Thursday, Oliaro also raised the subject with a Student Communications Committee he empanelled last fall to discuss improving contact with students in general. The committee consists of representatives of several university offices as well student government, including Juan Pablo Moncayo, president of the Associated Students Inc.

For more information, 559.278.2741.