First, it has an honored place on our campus. This area soon will become the gateway to a formal garden that will be enjoyed by our entire community for many years to come. Those who visit the garden will walk by this stone and understand how deeply the Virginia Tech tragedy touched each of us.

This tree also demonstrates the strength of our horticulture program, which was created four years ago with tremendous help from Virginia Tech Horticulture Professor Jerzy Nowak. Dr. Nowak made many visits to our campus to help launch our transfer program in horticulture and, sadly, his wife Jocelyn was among those killed on the Tech campus last month. We honor him today and all the family members of those who were lost.

And finally, this tree is special because it will continue to be a living symbol of our support for everyone who suffered as a result of this tragedy. Our community has always felt a deep connection to the Virginia Tech community. Our campus has many links to the Virginia Tech campus. And, each of us, even if we did not personally know any of the victims, has experienced a deep sense of loss.

This tree is our small way of remembering them. It will be marked with a granite stone that reads "For all those whose Hokie Spirit lives on. April 16, 2007." Thanks to everyone who made this possible and thanks to each of you for being here today.

- VHCC SGA President Ben Hollandsworth