Open letter to the Virginia Tech community from President Tim Sands
The following is an open letter to the Virginia Tech community from President Tim Sands:
Dear members of the Virginia Tech community,
The devastating loss of a young member of our Blacksburg community, Nicole Madison Lovell, along with the investigation of a Virginia Tech student in connection with the case, has everyone in a state of shock and sadness. Speaking on behalf of our community, let me say that our hearts go out to Nicole’s family and friends.
As a father, as well as Virginia Tech’s president, I want to reassure you that our community is supportive and resilient. Lean on that support and the resources available to you. It is normal to feel anxious and overwhelmed at a time such as this. You are not alone.
Campus resources are online and listed below and I encourage you to ask for help; it is a sign of wisdom. Check in with your friends and your classmates and support them by sharing resources and encouraging them to ask for help. We are here for each other.
Let’s stay strong together,
Tim Sands
President
Those in the university community who may wish assistance or desire counseling support may contact:
- Cook Counseling Center at 540-231-6557
- Dean of Students Office at 540-231-3787
- Office of Housing and Residence Life at 540-231-6205
- Department of Human Resources / Hokie Wellness at 540-231-9331
- Employee Assistance Program
- Anthem at 855-223-9277
- Aetna at 888-238-6232 (company name: Commonwealth of Virginia, username: COVA, password: COVA)
- Kaiser Permanente at 866-517-7042
Referrals to a campus cleric may be done through the Dean of Students Office at 540-231-3787.
