Media Advisory: Pool Broadcast and still photography will be provided for service in support of Virginia Tech

"A Gathering for Reflection and Prayer to Remember Those Slain at Virginia Tech" is the title of a public service to be held at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, in Memorial Church. The Rev. William "Scotty" McLennan, dean for religious life, and Rabbi Patricia Karlin-Neumann, senior associate dean for religious life, will offer thoughts on the tragedy. Attendees will have an opportunity to speak and share reflections, as well as light memorial/prayer candles.

The half-hour service, sponsored by the university's Office for Religious Life, will be open to all. A table of remembrance and prayer, where reflections may be placed in a communal vessel and prayer requests noted, was made available in the church sanctuary on Tuesday, and it will be available again on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

University President John Hennessy issued a statement on Tuesday in response to the tragedy:

"On behalf of everyone at Stanford, I extend our sincerest sympathy to members of the Virginia Tech community. We share their sorrow and sense of loss. The terrible ordeal suffered there reminds us how precious life is and how important it is that we all redouble our efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future. At Stanford, we plan to review all of our emergency response protocols. The safety of the Stanford community will always be a top priority for us. In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers at Stanford are with the students, faculty, staff and alumni of Virginia Tech and the family and friends of those who have died or been injured."

Editor Note:

UPDATE: ABC-7 will provide broadcast pool coverage for the service. The Associated Press will provide still photographs.

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