Hey everyone!
Came upon this earlier in the day. This April marks the 10th anniversary of the day we lost Hokies to a senseless act of violence. A group of survivors tried to obtain funding for travel expenses directly from VT and were not successful.
One of our fellow Hokies has set up a GoFundMe campaign to assist in obtaining funds so that they may be able to return to Blacksburg on this particular anniversary.
Edit: Lisa Hamp is the one leading the campaign. Here is her blog:
http://www.lisahamp.com/blog-1/
https://www.gofundme.com/virginia-tech-survivors-reunion
CT article: http://www.collegiatetimes.com/news/tech-declines-uninjured-april-surviv...
Let's help our fellow Hokies. UT Prosim. Never Forget.
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Comments
Um, why were they unable to get funding from the school?
That's.... not cool. Be better VT.
Provided link with story.
Not a fan of the decision by the university, but I'll keep those thoughts to myself and donate instead.
WARNING:THIS WILL BE UNPOPULAR. Not trying to just cause trouble, but present a dissenting view before we go full echo chamber.
I disagree, quite strongly, with the wording, and the premise. What happened is tragic, yes. But individuals do not "deserve" (indicating entitlement) to have their travel subsidized by the university. As she said, she doesn't think it's Tech's fault. So why then, should a party not at fault be expected to pay? The cost to Tech to finance what she wants would be noteworthy, because she wants it for everyone who was in the buildings and witnessed the shootings. That's a significant pool of people, and therefore a significant burden.
Furthermore, the woman in question currently makes $93k a year minimum. It's not as if travel expenses would present an undue hardship to her. And of the $5,800 currently raised by the gofundme, exactly zero was put in by the creator, which would negate any argument that she did it specifically thinking of those who can't afford travel.
TLDR: I think it's unfair to expect Tech to bear travel costs, and I totally agree with the University on this one.
I have to agree. And as a tax payer, I think it would have been wasteful for Tech to pay for the travel expenses of alumni to come to an event.
That's a valid and reasonable counter-argument. I think it comes down to not what the university HAS to pay for, but what SHOULD it pay for... I think the University could round up the money to help out the families, and in my opinion should do so but I agree that they don't HAVE to and definitely shouldn't be forced to do so.
UT Prosim not UT do-only-what-I-have-to kinda sums up my thoughts.
Well, I agree Tech COULD fund this, and it would be nice if they did, I still disagree with the idea that they SHOULD. Should implies a duty or a moral obligation, and I'm of the (probably distinctly minority) opinion that no such obligation exists. My problem isn't so much about this specific request for university funds, but with the expectation of certain actions which seem to correlate to a certain level of responsibility. If Tech had offered it, I'd be cool with them spending the money. If there were hard numbers relating to "this is how much we would like, specifically because that is the amount that these people simply cannot afford on their own," I could live with that. But the way it was presented was "this group got money, so we categorically should too," and that, to me, is the defining aspect of this issue, at least from my perspective. I recognize that it's an emotional topic, and that every Hokie wants to help the community, but there must be a line.
That said, the gofundme route seems appropriate, so that everyone who disagrees with the above perspective, and has the means, can do what they fell will help fellow Hokies work through the after effects of the trauma that day caused.
From what I have read, she was in a classroom that came under attack. I do not think she is asking for money for herself and her family, but other alumni that had direct connection with the event as well. Leg given.
I think if that was the case and she was raising money for physically unaffected individuals in the classrooms who could not afford the travel, it would make far more sense. However, directly on her gofundme page it states
Personally the phrase she uses in the CT article and personal blog about deserving "extra TLC" is what struck me (and I imagine many others). Two nights in hotel room matter that much when it comes to the anniversary of these events for those who can afford it anyway? How do you draw the line for those who deserve extra TLC? I was a student on April 16 as well and while I was fortunate enough to be off campus that day, I had classes in Norris Hall and when I came back for summer session I had the exact same thoughts of "where should I sit in case an active shooter situation takes place?"
It's m a difficult situation and I feel for all fellow Hokies that were affected by the events. However it's impossible to predict or account for all of those who might desire "extra TLC" and VT has to set clearly defined requirements on paying for travel expenses.
People who witness a shooting especially a mass shooting incident like this where the only thing that kept them from being wounded or killed was their ability to barricade a door or being missed by a shot are victims. They surely suffer from PTSD and probably other survivor guilt elements. This isn't asking for hundreds of students to be brought back but less than 30.
Oh I totally get that aspect, and I fully understand I'm in the minority, and I respect the majority view and where it comes from. I just don't think the university should be held responsible, financially or otherwise, for April 16th and the associated aftereffects. Crowdfunding from the community seems a much more appropriate avenue.
Right, but this certainly presents a slippery slope. If the University decides to pay for those in the building, including those uninjured physically but suffering from emotional trauma, that sets a precedent. Everyone who was on-campus that day and witnessed those horrific events suffered emotional trauma to varying degrees, so the lines of who should receive the benefit and not really become blurred. I understand the University's decision on the matter, and it would be financially impossible to provide free lodging for everyone affected by this tragedy.
Hope she isn't in marketing or biz development. I don't like the way she worded it. If she lives in DC, NOVA or NYC 93 grr is not killing it. I do believe, any way that she could of provided some seed money for the fund.
Hope they make it.