Memories submitted by our users

I worked with Leslie Sherman last year in one of the eateries at West End Market, one of the many dining halls on campus. Quite frankly, she was one of the most positive-spirited souls I ever knew, as I never saw her without a smile on her face. I remember her love of history and speaking the Russian language the most. I did not see her as much this year, but whenever I walked by her, she still had that smile and always had something to say to make me smile. It was unfortunate that her loss is what made the events at Virginia Tech real to me, and she truly did not deserve her fate. She will truly be missed, and I hope the best for her family in getting through this ultimate tragedy. --Brendon Burns, Blacksburg, VA (submitted on April 18, 2007)

I grew up with Nicole and we were close friends throughout school. I remember Nicole as a person of great character, with a huge heart, that had a genuine love for animals. I keep trying to come to terms with the fact that she is no longer here and I will never see her again. The question "Why?" continues to race through my mind. Throughout the anger, pain, tears, and sympathy for her family, I will continue to keep Nicole in my heart forever and will continue to keep her alive through memories. She was beautiful in every way possible. Irony is in her MySpace headline that states, "Maybe we'll meet further down the river, share what we both discovered, and revel in the view." R.I.P. Nicole --Laurie Guiffre', Smithfield, VA (submitted on April 18, 2007)

I graduated with Leslie, from West Springfield High School. I didn't get the honor of knowing her as well as I would have liked. She always had a huge smile on her face, and she was just one of those people that would light up a room with her presence. She was a great runner. One of my best friends ran with her and got really close with her. ... I pray that those who are close to Leslie will feel the power and love of Jesus Christ, and my heart goes to her family. --Sara Denninger, Springfield, VA (submitted on April 18, 2007)

I had Jamie (Herr) Bishop as my German teacher last semester. We were really close from the starting days in class. He loved to have fun in the classroom, and had no problem keeping everyone's attention and keeping them awake (most importantly). He would take extra time out of his week, even outside of his office hours, to help students that were having trouble in his classes. I distinctly remember going to his office one time to discuss items that may be on his final, and what grade I needed to achieve to get an A in his course. After filling me in on everything that pertained to his class, the conversation shifted to questions about what I am going to do over the summer, and that he really enjoyed the company of my friend Hunter Moyer and me. It’s times like these that make you grow fond of your teacher, and you consider them more as a friend then just a teacher alone. This semester, I unfortunately did not take the second half of the German class due to the fact that I had too many credits already.My class was the one after his, at 10:10 a.m. in Room 207 Norris (Public Policy and Planning). I would see him on my way to class, or in the classroom every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. We would stop and chat about nearly anything and everything. He would often ask me how my weekend went, as he used to do in class when I had him. He always seemed happy, and loved hearing whatever I had to say, even if it was in terrible broken German.When I found out that his class was one that was attacked, many terrible thoughts flooded my mind. All I could do was try to relax and hope for the best. I am going to sincerely miss him. He was by far, my favorite teacher at Tech. It’s hard to believe that something so wrong, so terrible, so disgusting could happen to such a wonderful man. He will be sorely missed. I just wish that there was something I could have done for him. Now my thoughts and feelings go out to his friends and family. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. --Michael Shaffer, Pittsburgh, PA (submitted on April 18, 2007)

I went to Franklin Middle School and Centennial High School with Austin Cloyd in Champaign, Ill. She was just finishing her freshman year at Virginia Tech, studying International Studies, French, Urban Affairs and Planning. She was 18 when she died. She was going to turn 19 in a few days, on April 24. She was an extremely bright student and very involved. At about 6 feet tall, she played basketball and volleyball in high school. Her family moved in 2005 from Champaign to Blacksburg because her dad, Bryan, who was a professor of accounting and information systems at the University of Illinois, got a teaching job at Va Tech. I am VERY certain that Austin was in her French class at the time of her death, although, as far as I know, this has not been confirmed. Austin was very confident and very smart. She was ambitious and wanted to do something very meaningful with her life. She always had goals and knew what she needed to do to achieve them. --Meggie Hankel, Chicago, IL (submitted on April 18, 2007)

Matt Gwaltney was my teacher's assistant last semester. He was more than that we became friends as the semester progressed. He was the most understanding person I have ever met. He was always there to help with anything you needed help with. He was by far one of those people that when you met him you knew he was special in the way he conducted himself. Words can't even begin to express how much I myself will miss him and I'm sure the many he inspired last semester and this semester alone. The world just lost a very influential person and a great friend. Even though I didn't know Matt as long as some did I will never forget him and how he influenced my life. I know this goes without saying, but he will be in my thoughts and prayers as well as his family who I don't even know. I hope his family understands how great Matt was and how influential he was to those at Virginia Tech. --Jonathan Marston, Lynchburg, VA (submitted on April 18, 2007)

Julia Pryde was a really fun-loving and friendly student. She was currently working on her master's and had just recently finished her B.S. in biological systems engineering (BSE). One thing I always remember her loving to do was going out during the "Save our Streams" and collecting bugs to help monitor stream health. And even though she had to collect some of the insects for another one of her classes she felt so bad that they had to die in order for her to collect them. She was so kind and gentle that even the most disgusting bugs that most would smash or run away from she would feel compassion towards. On those “Save our Streams” trips, just her combination of hope, compassion and joy of life was a true inspiration and I mourn as I am sure all of BSE does for her loss. --Christian Bongard, Sterling, VA (submitted on April 18, 2007)

I had the pleasure of taking Dr. Loganathan's measurements class a year ago. He was absolutely one of the best professors I have had at Virginia Tech. Not only was an intelligent individual, he was a compassionate man who cared for his students. I also had Brian Bluhm as my TA for the lab portion of this class and became good friends with him. He was a great guy, always had nice things to say, but also loved to joke around with the class. He was truly an amazing person and I am so sad that he has been taking away from us. He will always be remembered in my heart and many others that he touched. --Katelyn Asselin, Blacksburg, VA (submitted on April 18, 2007)

Ausin Cloyd was a dear friend to me while I was a student at Illinois. The Cloyd family was like a surrogate family for me while I was so far away at home. Austin and I are both very tall gals -- so we had that awesome connection, we gave each other strength to stand taller. We have so many good memories together, rooming together in New York, trying to get Matt Lauer's attention at the Today Show, our late night snacks when I would stay with the family for the weekend, picking her and friends up for lunch from Centennial High School, decorating our minister's yard with plastic bees, getting in trouble for talking too much at youth group, talking about her favorite TV shows which she NEVER missed, picking out my rehearsal dinner dress for my wedding during her visit to Atlanta ... and many many more.We were always laughing -- something was always funny to us. She was an amazing athlete. Her beautiful, red curly hair was so amazing. She loved her family so much and spending time with them was a priority. Our youth group was how we met and what brought us close. She was woman of God and is now looking down on us from Heaven. She will never be forgotten. There are so many great stories to tell and re-tell. Now I know she wants all of her friends to help care for her heartbroken family now and when all of this dies down. They will need our support to continue beyond this few weeks of horror. --Kelly (McGauvran) Webb, Kennesaw, GA (submitted on April 18, 2007)

MORE FROM VIRGINIA TECH: ONE YEAR LATER

Virginia Tech: One Year Later Section Front

Virginia Tech marks day of mourning Where are Virginia Tech headliners now? A year after Va. Tech, helping troubled students Cosmic Log: Campuses on high-tech alert Inside Dateline:  Hokies still strong Guns and Va. Tech: Year later, no solutions   Video: Virginia Tech kin, friends recall victims   Video:  Va. Tech victim's dad urges gun reform Timeline: How deadly shooting unfolded   Share your thoughts on the Virginia Tech tragedy Virginia Tech: One Year Later Section Front   Add Virginia Tech: One Year Later headlines to your news reader: