Virginia Tech Creates Memorial Fund After Monday's Rampage

By Elizabeth Schwinn

Virginia Tech has established a memorial fund following a student's murderous rampage Monday that left 33 dead, including the killer, and at least a dozen wounded in the deadliest shooting in U.S. history.

The Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund will cover the costs of grief counseling, memorials, goods and services used to comfort the families of the victims and the survivors, and other incidental needs, the university said.

The institution does not yet have a tally of how much has been donated through the fund's Web site, which went online on Tuesday.

"We're trying to anticipate the things people might need help with," said Chuck George, an editor at the university's development communications office. The fund was set up after the development office was flooded with calls from alumni and others who wanted to help, he said.

In addition to the university's memorial fund, Mr. George said the university has been contacted by businesses that want to set up funds in honor of the people who were killed and by musical groups that want to stage a benefit concert.

"I got a call last night from a band in Great Britain," he said. "We've heard from all over the world."