April 26, 2001

To: Longwood, the town of Farmville, and surrounding communities:

On this past Tuesday, April 24, 2001, Longwood College suffered a terrible loss when fire consumed several of our signature buildings and damaged two dormitories. With the destruction of the Rotunda, East and West Ruffner and Grainger, our campus lost its architectural heart and soul.

And yet in the midst of this calamity, the true strength of the Longwood and Farmville community came to the fore. On that terrible evening, over 175 volunteer firemen fearlessly risked their lives in battling the blaze. Were it not for their heroic efforts this fire could very easily have spread all across campus. Also on that evening, Longwood College Security and Student Affairs staff worked through the night, ensuring that every one of the evacuated students was accounted for and well taken care of. Thanks to them, there were no injuries or loss of life.

The citizens and administration of the Town of Farmville also came to the rescue, offering our displaced students food, shelter, support and love. Thanks to them, we knew we had the community support that would see us through this time of trouble. And no words can sum up how the Longwood faculty rallied at this crisis. In the support they gave to their colleagues who had lost offices and to the many students who needed them more than ever, the Longwood faculty proved once again that they are the best of the best.

I would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the Longwood and Farmville communities who turned this tragedy into a triumph of human strength, fortitude and compassion. Longwood's architectural heart may have been destroyed, but her spirit remains unbroken and in coming days you will see her rise once again from the ashes.

With admiration and respect,

Patricia P. Cormier
President