Memories submitted by our users

I graduated from Virginia Tech in May 2006; I studied Civil Engineering and had Dr. Loganathan for Measurements and Fluids courses. I send my deepest, most heartfelt condolences for the loss of a great man. Dr. Loganathan was one of the brightest and most dedicated professors I had while studying at VT. It was a pleasure to learn from such a talented and knowledgeable professor. We have lost a brilliant man, dedicated teacher, and an irreplaceable friend. --Kristian Spannhake, Baltimore, MD (submitted on April 17, 2007)

The Dan and Amanda show. That is what they called themselves. Dan O'Neil was in the Arts Society with me at Lafayette College. Every year we had cafe night at our local coffee shop and he and Amanda (one of his best friends) would sing together while he played the guitar. He wasn't the best singer in the world, but man, he was hilarious, sincere and passionate. He was a great guy that got along with everyone. I pour my heart out to all my fellow classmates from Lafayette that are saddened by the lose of our friend, Dan O'Neil. --Ashlee Snyder, Philadelphia, PA (submitted on April 17, 2007)

I went to Annandale High School with Mary Read. She was always a sweet person and fun to be around. She always found the good in everyone. She never deserved to be taken before her time. We love her and miss her so much already. --Anonymous , Fort Gordon, GA (submitted on April 17, 2007)

Leslie Sherman (a 20-year-old from Springfield, Va.,) was a remarkable young lady. Everyone looked up to her. She always knew how to put a smile on someones face. She had a heart bigger than anyone I've ever known -- her compassion was evident in everything she did. I had the honor of running cross country and track with her in high school and she always put 100% effort into running, as well as into every other aspect life. This event was a shock to us all, and many of us cannot fathom why someone so full of joy and compassion could be taken away from us. --Anonymous , Springfield, VA (submitted on April 17, 2007)

Jeremy Herbstritt: While working for a local engineering firm in Baltimore during the summer of 2005 (I believe that was the time frame), Jeremy joined our group of Baltimore Road Runners that met at Johns Hopkins University every Wednesday evening for a 6 mile run. Afterwards he would meet with us at a local pub for beer and pizza and discussions on various topics. Jeremy was always quick with a smile ,and we all enjoyed his short stay here and will miss the opportunity to ever run with him again. He interviewed with my firm before returning to grad school and I had hoped to someday convince him to join us again in Baltimore. --Anonymous , Cockeysville, MD (submitted on April 17, 2007)

I met Daniel Perez last year where we both worked at the time and I liked him instantly, as everyone did. We became good friends and spent a lot of time together right before he left home to start in the fall. He was so excited to attend Virginia Tech. I remember frantically calling him the day in August that classes started when the other shootings happened, how he reassured me that everything would be okay and how he was his usual happy self. I wish we could hear his voice again, telling us that everything's OK now. I'll always remember him as one of the most ambitious and driven people I've ever met. He had a beautiful smile that would brighten up anyone's day and a wonderful sense of humor. He will be missed by many. Daniel's with God now, and that's my only consolation during this awful time. --Jennifer Miller, Dale City, VA (submitted on April 17, 2007)

Leslie and I were classmates and teammates throughout high school. When I remember her now, I see a huge smile and a laugh that filled the room. She was always willing to come to the aid of anyone who had need and would always help you find the silver lining or the humor in life if you were down. She was intelligent, funny, and kind. Leslie was a wonderful person with a wonderful heart and she is greatly loved and missed. Her 20th birthday was 8 days ago. --Anonymous , Springfield, VA (submitted on April 17, 2007)

Dr. Greg Loganathan was my Hydraulics II professor back in the spring of 1989. He was truly a wonderful person and a great instructor. He was one of the most likable people I encountered during my time in the Civil Department at Virginia Tech. When I scrolled to Greg’s name in the listing of victims, I was truly shocked. When I read his family’s description that “We all feel like we have had an electric shock…” – that describes my reaction. I am with tears as I write this. Yesterday was a horrible day for Virginia Tech -- and really for all of us. --Rick Furnival, Fredericksburg, VA (submitted on April 17, 2007)

Dr. Granata was pivotal in my learning as I finished a PhD at UVa. At the time (2001) he was a professor at UVa before moving on VA Tech. He was an amazing researcher but more importantly he was a very open and kind person. As a student researcher I was in awe of his ability to think and work with people outside of his own discipline. He embraced the knowledge that all disciplines offered from computer science to sports medicine and integrated that into his own research and teaching. He was also a wonderful caring father and brought his kids to a number of department cookouts -- it was obvious that they adored him. My deepest condolences and thoughts are with his family, friends and students. I feel blessed that I was able to have known him. --Kirsten Buchanan, Portland, ME (submitted on April 17, 2007)

I had the honor of working with Dan O'Neil as he did his internship at Pare Engineering in Lincoln, Rhode Island. Dan was a polite, hard-working young man with endless potential. I am deeply saddened and angered that this senseless act has taken a person with such great hopes and aspirations from this world. My prayers go out to you Dan and your family. --Richard Botelho, Lincoln, RI (submitted on April 17, 2007)

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