The students, faculty, and staff of Mountain Empire Community College send our deepest sympathies to the students, faculty, and staff of Virginia Tech.  Many of us at Mountain Empire have direct connections to and deep affection for Virginia Tech.  Fourteen of our full-time faculty as well as many of our adjunct faculty and staff members have degrees or coursework from Virginia Tech, and a number of our faculty and staff are proud parents of current and former students.  Our students have family and friends in attendance on your campus. And, it is with pride that we transfer students from Mountain Empire to Virginia Tech.

As the news of the week has unfolded, we have followed the events closely, and our sense of grief has been expressed locally in campus-wide meetings, in classes, and in gatherings of small groups.  It is clear that Virginia Tech is held in high esteem on our campus and in the community we serve.  It is also clear that this tragic event has been felt throughout the world.

As you face the days ahead, we know that the strength of Virginia Tech as an outstanding institution of higher learning will sustain you and be your guide.