Oral Histories
The audio clips below are from alumni and employees sharing their feelings and memories of April 16th. Some pages have transcriptions at the bottom of the page. We apologize that not all interviews have transcriptions yet.
Ezra "Bud" Brown
The now retired Dr. Brown was a mathematics professor at VT for 48 years from 1969. According to VT Stories, "Bud had been in a building just 150 yards away from where the tragedy on April 16th occurred, and remembered hearing sirens that simply wouldn’t stop all morning. He emailed all of his students asking them to respond saying they were all right, as their safety was an absolute importance to him. He regards the day as being one of the worst ones of his life."
Rich and Libby Carpenter
Rich Carpenter earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from VPI in 1967 and 1969, respectively, and Libby Carpenter earned her master's in 1971. Their daughter also attended VT and they continue to support university scholarships and associations.
Matt Fox
Matt Fox graduated from Virginia Tech in 2001. According to VT Stories, "After the tragic events of April 16th, Matt returned to Blacksburg and met with many of the young students, taking them to coffee, giving them a moment’s solace in the wake of catastrophe. These relationships, built in the shadow of grief, reminded students of power within Hokie Nation."
Katie Frazier
Katie Frazier graduated from VT in 2004 and has since served on the University Alumni Board, Virginia Tech’s Government Relations Department, and several College of Agriculture and Life Sciences associations.
Nikki Giovanni
A world-renowned poet and author, Nikki Giovanni has taught at Virginia Tech since 1987. Her address for the Convocation on April 17, 2007, is remembered for its strength and compassion.
Calvin Jamison
Dr. Jamison earned his bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees from VT in 1977, 1981, and 1988. He also worked in the admissions office and as Assistant to the President. Dr. Jamison is also a former Board of Visitors member (2008-2012) and has served in numerous other capacities for the university.
David Lowe
David Lowe graduated from VPI in 1963. After several decades in the telecommunications industry, Lowe retired to Blacksburg in 2000, and is a past president and lifetime honorary board member of the VT Alumni Association.
Nick Moga
Nick Moga graduated from VT in 1976 and later worked at the university.
Daniel Swanson
Daniel Swanson graduated from Virginia Tech in 1971.
Tom Tillar
Tom Tillar graduated from VT in 1969 and joined its staff in 1971. He began working at the VT Alumni Association in 1975, rising to the level of vice president for alumni relations, until he retired in 2015. In 2007, Tillar chaired the April 16 memorial committee and liaised with the families and alumni affected by the tragedy.