The Brotherhood of the Virginia Zeta Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon is deeply wounded by the events of Monday, April 16th, and would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their fathers, sons and daughters in this senseless act of violence.We would also like to express our thanks to all of the chapters of both SAE and other fraternities across the United States who have emailed and called us, expressing condolences. Your support has been much appreciated and is a testament to the bonds of brotherhood that lay across the Greek Community.
We also want to publicly recognize Brother Zach Petkewicz, who has recounted his story on several national news programs regarding the action he took in Norris Hall on April 16th. He heard the shots and screams and a classmate saw the gunman approaching their classroom. Zach lead other classmates in a successful effort to barricade the door using tables. The gunman fired shots through the door and partially came through, but Zach and two other classmates forced the gunman back into the hallway. Realizing entry was unlikely, he moved on. Soon after, the police entered and cornered the suspect, who, in a final act of cowardice, took his own life.
The relief the chapter felt after learning of Zach’s safety is unspeakable. While Zach is reluctant to accept praise, his actions and the actions of his classmates saved numerous lives. We want to publicly acknowledge how proud we are of him; we’ve heard many times the lines “whose self-control is equal to all emergencies,” and Zach is living testament to John Walter Wayland’s words. His ability to control his own fear saved not only his life, but also the lives of his classmates.
We have decided to post these comments due to the large number of calls and emails we have received from brothers of SAE, other Greeks, members of the Virginia Tech community and members of the press. We realize the depth of this story, but ask that the media respect Zach, acknowledge the trauma he has experienced, and give him the space to open up as he feels capable.
The search for meaning and understanding from Monday’s tragedy will continue for a long time, and it is difficult to see any good in the presence of such unspeakable evil. However, Zach Petkewicz’s heroism, and the heroism of his classmates and others serve as inspiration to us all during these sad times.
Again, we appreciate the expressions of sympathy we’ve received, and continue to mourn the loss of our peers and hope that the families of those lost will find a sustainable peace.
In the Bonds,
The Virginia Zeta Chapter
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
