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Commencement Address
By the time of Commencement, the epideictic nature of the context was firmly established. President Steger’s address, which you may read here or listen to here, presented a moment of opportunity. Graduations are moments of past reflection, but are also moments for looking forward. President Steger’s discourse to this point contained no backward looking second guesses, but the nature of graduation speeches presents him with the opportunity to eulogize the murdered while concomitantly looking forward and celebrating the lives of the recent graduates. He did both in this speech.
Steger could not ignore 4/16 in this commencement. It was a moment that would allow him to speak to both the past and to the future, to put an ending to one phase of  the crisis the University and his office had endured. He recognized that “our celebrations and our joy are subdued in recognition of the great tragedy that befell our university, our community on April 16th. Our minds still reel from the violence, and our hearts still ache for those slain and injured and their families and friends."[84] The slain are neither forgotten nor denied tribute: “They wanted to make their mark as individuals, to be a part of the greater world and make it better. . . ."[85]
The slain were “caring, kind, compassionate and loving. They were serious about their goals, but fun-loving in pursuit of those aspirations. They were hard working, yet enjoyed their relaxation." He listed numerous pursuits: horseback riding, tennis, kayaking, volleyball, basketball, lacrosse, music, and dancing. He listed points of origin: Blacksburg and Roanoke, “throughout Virginia and the world." Crucial to this speech, “Each [slain student] was gifted and talented and unique. They were Hokies."[86] As Hokies, the virtues and qualities, the activities, and the origins of the slain are the same as the living. In one sense, President Steger was describing not the dead, but his living audience; he thus served to more tightly knit together Hokies across the globe, showcasing a common, shared humanity.
Enlarging this conception, he mentioned the Hokie Nation, enlarging a term once reserved for football fans filling Lane Stadium, where school spirit and support are legendary. President Steger said that, “we have seen that phrase take on a greater and deeper meaning. It is one of a community coming together—yes, to mourn and pour out our grief, but also coming together to help each other, to lift others’ burdens while our own weighed so heavily upon us." The new Nation is enlarged considerably. Students and fans, yes, but now grief counselors, faculty, and staff: “They are Hokies."  The Virginia Tech and Blacksburg Police, and the local Sheriffs: “The are Hokies." The Virginia Tech and Blacksburg rescue squads: “The are Hokies." Members of Hokies United, who worked to bring the candlelight vigil, the noon moment of silence, and the memorials on the drill field: “The are Hokies." Speaking to these Hokies, to returning students, and to alumni, President Steger moves away from Nation to something with deeper resonance, “We are indeed the Virginia Tech Family."[87]
Past actions recognized, President Steger now moves to the future. Referring to moments of shared support in America and across the globe, he said that it “is heartening that these lights of compassion and care have shone through the deep darkness of our suffering. This day is also one of those lights, one of those beacons, guiding us toward the future. In the lyrical language of the psalms we hear that ‘weeping may endure fore a night, but joy cometh in the morning.’ Our hearts have been broken, but our spirit—the Hokie Spirit, which has captured the admiration of millions—remains strong. . . ."[88]
Drawing upon the memories past, but looking steadfastly forward, he continues in a vein reminiscent of commencement addresses:
How can we not be resolute and determined to go forward when we are reminded so poignantly. . . of why Virginia Tech is here and what it stands for? At our core, we are Virginia Tech. We are a great university that has a special role to play in the world. [T]he Hokie spirit is indomitable. Let our most lasting memorial to those who were snatched from our midst be our achievements. Let us live our professional and personal lives in a manner that moves the world forward. Is that not what it means to “Invent the future"? Please know that moving on is not the same as forgetting. We shall not forget.
Let April 16th be on our future calendars. Yes, to remember those precious members of our community who we lost. . . . But also to renew our commitment to learning and growing . . . to rededicate ourselves to being outstanding citizens of this great nation and the world. . . to be a bright light on the horizon of tomorrow that will chase away the darkness of our fears, to show the world once again that We. . . are. . . Virginia Tech!
And, to all of our students here today . . . I wish I could reach out and hug each one of you. You are the reason I get out of bed in the morning. You are my passion. . . . . You are the future . . . and your achievements will be felt around the globe.
I…could…not…possibly…be more proud of you than I am at this moment.[89]
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