President Lowry continues to reflect about VT tragedy on one week anniversary

Dr. Randy Lowry, President | 04/23/2007

To: The Students, Parents, Alumni, Friends of Lipscomb University

From: Dr. Randy Lowry, President

Lipscomb University extends its deepest sympathy to the Virginia Tech University community during this tragic time. We cannot fully appreciate the gravity of loss or the difficult times that lay ahead for that university. We can, however, empathize with the loss of life and we fervently pray God’s special comfort for all those affected by the tragedy.

While distance separates Lipscomb from Virginia Tech itself, the common bond in higher education has united in word, thought and activity members of our community with colleagues at Virginia Tech. Last Tuesday, the day following the massacre, the Lipscomb University community gathered in a special service of remembrance and prayer. Later in the week one of our faculty, Dr. Earl Lavender, represented Lipscomb University and spoke at the Virginia Tech Alumni memorial service in Nashville. Our Dean of Students has reached out to Lipscomb students and families with Virginia Tech connections. Finally, the Bison in Bison Square was painted in Virginia Tech colors as a spontaneous student gesture of respect to that college community.

The Virginia Tech tragedy reminds us of the challenging task of a university in keeping its community members safe. Long before the most recent tragedy, we had moved to substantially provide more protection on the Lipscomb University campus including installation of a new electronic key system in all residence halls, the institution of an extensive surveillance camera system on campus, the establishment of a variety of emergency protocols that can quickly secure academic and administrative buildings, as well as the recent employment of a full-time professional risk manager. Finally, we have coordinated our plans with the Metro Nashville Police Department which would be the responding law enforcement agency in the event of an emergency.

As we approach the end of Lipscomb University’s 116th year, we do so with the sobering reality of the Virginia Tech tragedy in mind, but also thankful for an outstanding academic year. We have hired 15 new full-time faculty members and announced the start of a new College of Pharmacy, the beginning of construction on a new music wing and a new residential complex along with the renovation of Burton, Collins and the Student Center. These accomplishments combined with student achievements in academics, athletics and service cause us to be most grateful. We do not take God’s blessings or protection for granted but rather rest in the confidence of His love and care.

Please know that during this difficult time we remain vigilant and committed to creating a community where students, faculty and staff are able to productively pursue their work in higher education. We move forward anticipating the opportunities our 117th year will bring as we continue to embrace our mission of academic preparation and spiritual formation.

Sincerely,

L. Randolph Lowry
President