The University of Texas at Austin Darkens Tower in Remembrance of Virginia Tech Shooting Victims

April 17, 2007

AUSTIN, Texas—The University of Texas at Austin Tower will be darkened this evening (April 17) and will remain dark through Thursday night (April 19) in remembrance of the victims of the shooting incident yesterday at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

In addition, flags will be lowered to half-staff through Sunday as the university symbolizes its compassion and concern for the members of the Virginia Tech community.

Student Government is planning a vigil on Monday (April 23) to express support for the people of Virginia Tech. The starting time is yet to be determined. The Tower will again be darkened on Monday evening in connection with the event.

"The University of Texas at Austin extends its profound sympathy and compassion to the members of the Virginia Tech community," William Powers Jr., president of The University of Texas at Austin, said in an e-mail to members of the university community. "Virginia Tech's students, faculty and staff, and their families are in our hearts and thoughts as they struggle to cope with yesterday's horrible tragedy."

In the e-mail (http://www.utexas.edu/news/2007/04/17/virginia_tech), Powers said he had contacted Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger to express his sympathies and offer the university's assistance as Virginia Tech recovers from the incident.

The message also included information for students, faculty and staff on campus security and the availability of counseling services.

For more information contact: Don Hale, 512-471-3151.