Hampshire College

MEMORANDUM

DATE:  April 17, 2007

TO:  Hampshire College Community

FROM:  President Ralph J. Hexter

SUBJECT: Tragedy at Virginia Polytechnic and State University

On April 16 a tragedy of unthinkable proportions happened on the campus of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. I join with Hampshire's students, faculty and staff in extending our deepest condolences to all members of the Virginia Tech community. We share in their sorrow and offer to keep them
in our thoughts and prayers.

Although we recognize that this event was as unusual as it was horrific, we must nevertheless take very seriously our obligation to provide as safe an environment as possible on our campus. To members of the Hampshire community, I extend assurances that members of my administration and I undertake periodic review of the college's protocols in response to emergency. What happened at Virginia Tech is a sober reminder that the unimaginable and unpredictable can take place even as we prepare and even as we pray that it will not. In its aftermath, we will make yet another review of our policies and practices a first priority.

I have asked that our flag be lowered to half-staff for the remainder of the week as a symbol of our grief for those who lost their lives at Virginia Tech and in support of the survivors.