Apr 26, 2007 - Colleges and universities across the nation were stunned and saddened by the tragic news of the shooting deaths of 32 members of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) community on April 16. The shooter, a Virginia Tech student with a history of mental problems, also took his own life after the end of the ordeal. 

The HMC Dean of Students office immediately notified students of the event and offered counseling assistance to anyone in need, particularly students with friends or family at Virginia Tech or the nearby community.

Mudd student Mina Youssef '07 was the catalyst for a “circle of commemorative silence” the next day, as students, faculty and staff gathered to honor the victims and their families (see photo). Youssef wrote to the community: “One way to respond as a community is to take some time to think and pray for the tragedy and family and friends of the victims together as a Harvey Mudd community.”

HMC President Maria Klawe reached out to Virginia Tech’s president Charles Steger with this message:

Dear President Steger,

On behalf of the trustees, faculty, staff and students of Harvey Mudd College, I send you our deepest sympathy for the tragic loss of lives at Virginia Tech on Monday. Our students have organized a meeting of silence and prayers for today at 1 p.m. PDT, to think and pray for the tragedy and family and friends of the victims together as a Harvey Mudd community. Together with college and universities around the world we mourn your loss and hope for insight and healing.

Sincerely,
Maria Klawe
President, Harvey Mudd College

The event raised concerns among faculty and staff about how to recognize students who are troubled and how to connect them with help. As the beginning of an extended conversation about this at HMC, the Dean of Students office and the core coordinators are meeting with the director of The Claremont Colleges Counseling Services and Beverly Chen, HMC assistant dean of student emotional health. Faculty and staff have been invited to ask questions and share ideas.

Members of the HMC community were also reminded of emergency procedures, particularly in the event of a “lock down.” This prompted discussions about additional methods for communicating on campus in the event of an emergency. The HMC Emergency Management Committee met to discuss a variety of options, which are currently being considered for implementation.