To signify support for the Virginia Tech University community, Meredith College students, faculty and staff have been wearing orange ribbons since April 17.

Members of the Meredith community have also written messages of condolence and support on banners that will be sent to Virginia Tech. The ribbon distribution and banner signing were organized by the executive committee of the Meredith Student Government Association.

“Virginia Tech needs our prayers and support and this [is] a good opportunity to let them know that we care,” the SGA executive committee wrote in an email message announcing these efforts to Meredith employees and students. Previous commemorations included the following events:

• Meredith’s Wednesday Chapel Service focused on the Virginia Tech tragedy on Wednesday, April 18. Professor emeritus and former long-time head of the Department of Religion and Philosophy Roger Crook was the featured speaker.

• Gathering for Virginia Residents: Vice President for College Programs Jean Jackson invited all Meredith students who are Virginia residents to gather between 2 p.m.-4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18 in Belk Dining Hall’s Dogwood A. Campus counselors were available.
  
  
• Counseling Available: On Friday, April 20, Counseling Center staff will be available for any member of the Meredith community at 10 a.m. in the Meditation Room of Jones Chapel. As always, students may also contact the Counseling Center at (919) 760-8427 or counseling@meredith.edu for more assistance.
  
• On Friday, April 20, Meredith participated in the nationwide "Orange and Maroon Effect Day", by wearing clothing in Virginia Tech colors as an additional show of support for the university's students, faculty/staff and alumni.
  
  
• Candlelight Vigil in Honor of Virginia Tech: Monday, April 23, at 9 p.m., outside Jones Chapel near the gazebo.
  
  
• Today We're all Hokies" T-shirt Fundraiser: April 23-26, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Cate Center Lobby. All profits will be donated to the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund. For more, visit www.vt.edu/tragedy/memorial_fund.php.