New Chapter for Virginia Tech as Year Ends

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- May 12, 2007— -- It was a day for diplomas, happiness and pictures with proud parents. But there is still heartache at Virginia Tech, where a student gunman took the lives of 32 students and professors just weeks ago.

The heartache was felt deeply by the engineering department. Nearly half the victims, 11 students and three professors, were part of that program at the Blacksburg, Va., university.

Dean Richard Benson of the engineering school was among the speakers to address the graduates.

"You are the best known class to have ever graduated from Virginia Tech. You didn't invite this scrutiny of course, but it came massively and unbidden on April 16," he said.

There was also a standing ovation today for Kevin Sterne as he received his degree, walking across the stage on crutches. Injured in the massacre, he used an electrical cord to tie a tourniquet around his bleeding leg.

At the emotional ceremony, the victims' names were read one-by-one and their degrees presented posthumously.

"How thankful I am that we have the opportunity to be here as a complete family, rather than a severed family," said Joy Kennedy, a student's mother.

The commencement ceremony was reflective, not dour -- students and parents thought it struck just the right tone.

"It's good to be done, and it's good to honor them and have fun," said Robert Neese, an engineering graduate. "I don't think it's dampened people's spirit too much."

After picking up his engineering degree, Steven Kemeny went to pack up his car and prepare for the next chapter in his life.

"I don't regret ever coming here because of it," Kemeny said. "It's still a great campus."