Students and professors at Case Western Reserve University salute Virginia Tech

CLEVELAND -- It was a show of solidarity for "Hoakie Hope" in Cleveland.

Across the Case Western Reserve University campus, hundreds of students and professors wore the colors of the Virginia Tech "Hokies". You could see orange and maroon everywhere mixed with the blue of CWRU.

Inside the student union, students crowded around a huge card. Many stopping for a few moments to write down their heartfelt thoughts of support for those grieving in Virginia.

It was especially difficult for Jeff Meisch, a CWRU student who graduated from Virginia Tech in 2005.

Meisch told Channel 3's Mike O'Mara that seeing the reports of the massacre at his former school are overwhelming.

The tears began to well up as Jeff talked about his former classmates. "I can't stop picturing it in my head," said Meisch as he wiped tears from his face.

Another Case student and Va. Tech alumnus, Nick Funderburg added, "it's still really terrible watching the news and seeing the pain on the people's faces."

Neil Ursic helped organize the memorial at CWRU today. He says, "I think everyone has a sense of vulnerability."

It was that shared vulnerability that helped galvanize the students and faculty at CWRU. Many wanted to make a dramatic gesture to their counterparts in Virginia.

Under blue skies with photographers perched on the top of the building, hundreds of students and professors spelled out the letters V-T on the grass outside the library.

"I think it's worth it," said Cemile Kahveci. "Even though I can't go to Virginia physically, I'm here in Ohio supporting them."

"The only thing that separates the students at Virginia Tech from us," added Lauren Hassen, "is they chose a different university."

Everyone at Case Western Reserve University knows about the terror on the Cleveland campus four years ago. They recall how a peaceful campus can be transformed in the face of madness and bloodshed.

Student leader, Adam Rupe, said, "I think the Virginia Tech shooting hit a little close to home for all of us, especially with the Peter B. Lewis building incident four years ago."

The photo of the human Virginia Tech logo and the special sympathy cards from CWRU will be mailed out special delivery on Monday.