Jarrett Lane was a senior in my Air Resources Engineering class. He sat in the front corner, and I have to admit that I had a hard time understanding his southern accent at first. But I soon came to know him as a smart, hard-working, thoughtful, and very nice person who was quick to offer a smile. In our last class together on April 12, he challenged me on a detail in my derivation of particle collection efficiency of cyclones. I have since cleaned up the derivation to make it more precise and will be presenting it in his honor when we return to class next week.

I knew five of those killed in Monday's shootings at Tech. In fact, of the first four names I heard of those killed, I knew three of them, including Professor Loganathan, Jarrett Lane, and Matt LaPorte. I also knew Matt Gwaltney and Dan O'Neil, both TA's in two of my engineering classes this semester and last. All of them were able to teach me something, especially the students, over the last few years of my life, so only giving tribute to one would not give justice to the impact they all had on my life. This is true of all the victims of Monday's tragic events... even though I only knew five of those killed, I recognized dozens more as I saw their pictures just from being in a class or seeing them around campus. Not having them all is a great loss to all of us and to the environment they helped create at Tech. I'm thankful for having known these few lost, and hopeful that their memory will continue to make Virginia Tech a great place to live, work, and learn.

My wife and I met Jarrett and his mother as we stood in line with our son during freshman orientation at VT. He and our son ended up rooming together during that orientation and we were all very favorably impressed with him. When we saw last Tuesday evening on CNN that he was among the fatalities at the school, my wife and I, and our son when we told him the next morning, were very deeply touched. Jarrett left an inexplicable mark on our hearts that we can still feel, even after these years have passed, and that tells me that he was a special person. Our prayers have been with his family and friends, and ourselves that God will somehow help us all gain whatever good there may be from the very great loss.

I remember Jarrett because he worked for me. He was a sweet, smart, kind individual. He always had a smile on his face. He was what every employer dreamed of getting -- a hardworking kid with good values. He will truly be missed.

I remember, as a kid, visiting my grandparent's house in Narrows, VA and playing with Fawntane, Jarret's older sister, and Jarrett himself. I traveled to Spain with Fawntawn and have very fond memories of the Lane family and our time spent together. It's difficult being in Atlanta and not being able to be in Giles County during this troubling time. The entire community, far and wide, feels the terrible sense of loss following Monday's tragedy. I offer my sincerest of condolences to the Lane family, as well as all those who lost loved ones, as we continue the painful process of mourning and begin the renewing process of healing.

I met Jarrett through several classes that we shared in the civil engineering curriculum. We were lab partners many times and he was in a current design team with two other colleagues. Everyday over the past few weeks he had been waiting to hear from University of Florida regarding graduate; the last time our design group met he received the email and we were all there to congratulate him and share in his excitement. I know this semester in particular he was very zealous in his studies but was always willing to help anyone if they needed it. I dread going to class and sitting next to an empty chair. God bless us all.

My fiance introduced me to Jarrett, and immediately he was friendly to me. As I became better friends with Jarrett, it was obvious that nobody was a stranger to him; he was so friendly and intentional in his relationships. One of the aspects that most comforts me in his death is the fact that he loved the Lord and was saved. I know that I will see him again, and the way that he lived his life has left a lasting impression on me. Jarrett, we love you and miss you!

I had the opportunity to meet Jarrett this past football season at a number of tailgates with our mutual friends. Though we never got to know each other in depth, Jarrett was always extremely nice and made his best and successful attempt at making me feel welcome in the group. Above anyone else, he went out of his way to keep a conversation. My thoughts and prayers go out to my friends who lost their dear brother and to his family mourning the loss of such a warm-hearted individual.

I went to high School with Jarrett, and played high school football with him as well. He was one of the smartest and nicest guys I ever known, and a great friend. He could walk into a room and cheer everyone up, know matter what was going on. He will be missed dearly. He will always be a Green Wave. My prayers go out to all the parents and students of Virginia Tech.

Jarrett Lane lived down the block from me for as far back as I can remember. I graduated two years before him, so for the most part we went to school together for most of our lives. Although I didn't spend much time with him, what time I did was always fun. If you could ever wish your child to be like someone, he is the one I would choose. He was smart, friendly, and had an everlasting love for Jesus Christ. He will never be forgotten and he will never be replaced, he's simply "one in a million."

Some people have a way of making you feel comfortable the minute you meet them. Jarrett was one of those people. He had a warm, thoughtful personality. He enjoyed life. He had a bright future. I had the gift of knowing him at Virginia Tech and he will be missed.