Parents,

Below is a letter that Dr. Rosie Phillips Bingham, Vice President for Student Affairs, shared with students on Friday.  We thought you might be interested in hearing her thoughts as well.

-Your Parent E-News team

I awakened this morning to “A Day of Mourning” for the students, faculty, members of the Virginia Tech community and all the family members of those who died or were injured physically and emotionally by the terrible tragedy on Monday.  I am in mourning and that is why I decided to write.

It is not often that a Vice President for Student Affairs at a college or university will write an open letter.  Too often such written words are taken as words from the position rather than words from the heart.  But I just want the students and the University of Memphis community to know how valuable each of you is and my heart needs to speak.  I want to encourage you to take care of yourself and each other.  Notice when one of us seems to be in trouble in any number of ways.  It could be that someone is too isolated; include him or her.  It could be that someone is blue or depressed; provide warmth and a listening ear.  If there is fear, offer them some of your faith and courage.  If they are lagging too far behind, show them how to catch up.  If there is something or someone that just does not seem right, tell somebody.  This is our community and we must take care of it and each other; heal and forgive.  Care a lot about yourselves and about each other.  Be safe.

Rosie Phillips Bingham

April 20, 2007