I met Julia in class 2 years ago. She had a beautiful smile, vibrant personality, and serious work ethic. She was also very giving.

Those of us in the aquatic entomology program at Virginia Tech were fortunate to have Julia in our aquatic entomology course during spring semester 2006. What we remember most about Julia were her exceptional kindness and caring and how she wanted to make the world a better place by learning about water quality and applying that knowledge in developing countries. In this course students have to make a collection of aquatic insects, which means they have to catch bugs and preserve them in jars of alcohol. Julia was so kindhearted that she did not like killing the insects and would only do so for the bare minimum of kinds that were required and only for one specimen of each kind. She also had a great sense of humor. I remember a class field trip when I was driving a VT van full of students, and I absentmindedly exceeded the speed limit and got a significant ticket from a state trooper. I was very upset with myself, but Julia quickly cheered me up with some stories about her personal experiences with similar situations. At a time when the world needs more people like Julia, it is so sad that we now have one less.

Julia Pryde was truly a blessing to know. She always had a smile on her face and something to say. She was one of the most intelligent, laid back, thoughtful, and capable women that I have ever known. I respected her and admired her for everything she was and everything that she was going to be. Blessed be, Julia.

My friend Julia Pryde was one of the shooting vitims. She was a Graduate student in iological systems engineering from Middletown, N.J. there are no photos of her so i thought i would send you one. ... She was all about making the Earth a better place.

Julia was one of those people that you meet and never forget. She always smiled and energy poured out of her. I was amazed at what she was doing to make the world a better place. I can only hope that those she knew can carry her passion forward and continue to change the world for the better.

Julia was my friend. She cared deeply about people and the earth we live on. She never said a bad thing about anyone. She was very kind and always laughing. She loved music! She also spent a lot of time helping people and defending the land they hold so dear. She was an active member of Mountain Justice of Virginia Tech, a student organization dedicated to stopping mountaintop removal coal mining. Her active life and heart of gold should serve as a reminder to all of us. Life is too short for us to wait for positive change. Actively seek it. We all can make a difference! I'll miss you a WHOLE LOT Julia!

I called her "oooya Julia." She was my daughter Patricia's competition, both swimming on opposite Middletown Township high school swim teams. She was also Patricia's closest friend since the sixth grade. Julia's great spirit and energetic smile always brought joy to our home and the memories of her life will forever be felt in our hearts.

I didn't know Julia that well, but as a member of her graduating class I'd like to say I am so sorry to all her friends and family. This is a perfect example of how unfair life can really be. When a special person like Julia is taken from the people she loves, and love her in return. My thoughts and prayers are with Julia and the Pryde family. God bless!

To the world Julia is just a name on a list that make up those who died this past Monday, but for me she was a former coworker from the former Wades in Blacksburg, VA and a friend. I still recall the day a customer friend of mine let me know that she had a kitten for me if I would like her. The lady brought her to me and I had to keep the soon to be named Ivory in the office. Julia picked her up and Ivory crawled up her arm and wrapped herself around Julia's neck because of this love for all thing that came from her loving nature. All those who knew her loved her and this world will be a much darker place without her. I would like to say to her parents that my prayers are with you both during this time.