The entire Tri-State University family expresses its profound sadness in the wake of the tragic April 16 shootings on the Virginia Tech campus. Theirs is a nightmare beyond anything the community of higher education can imagine, yet its horror points to something we all fear: that its randomness could next affect us. We are a family in our vulnerability to irrational violence, and we share their inability to fathom such a monstrous act.

We commend the courageous action of President Steger and his university organization in responding to the vast needs which surface at such a time—directing students to safe havens and seeing to their emotional needs; sealing off campus infrastructure; meeting the demands of law enforcement and emergency officials; dealing with the queries of frantic family members.

When a situation devoid of reason occurs, we can fall prey to doubts. But we must understand that our best preventative efforts can fall short when faced with something we cannot predict or understand.

Those of us involved in the pursuit of knowledge grieve with them. May it comfort them in a small way to know that this tragedy may act as a catalyst for even more vigilance among campus communities as they strive for the safest possible environment.

Our thoughts and prayers are with them this week as they regroup to begin the healing process.