While President George Bush and First Lady Laura Bush led a memorial service at Virginia Tech Tuesday, The University of Memphis held an on-campus service as well.
University President Shirley Raines led a moment of silence at noon around the fountain at the center of campus for those whose lives were lost, as the bell tower rang several times in memory as well.
In what started out as a few students here and there, soon ended up being a mix of students, alumni, faculty, staff and administration all circling the fountain and holding hands.
"It's important for the students to come together and remember those who lost their lives," Raines said. "You never know where tragedy may strike."
According to Raines, The University has already sent its condolences to Virginia Tech, as well as putting a remembrance on the main page of The U of M Web site.
Raines also said Virginia Tech knew about the vigil that was being held at noon and the moment of silence across campus was a form of grieving.
Many felt that the memorial was a good thing to show support when tragedy strikes.
"I think it's a great effort among college students to group together in a time like this," said Travis Hass, sophomore music business major. "It shows we can co-exist as human beings and exist together."
Some students felt that the ones who lost their lives deserved a memorial in their name.
"I really feel like that could have been us," said Catina White, junior biology major. "I owe it to those who lost their lives and to their families to be here."
Freshman Amy Starnes said that she asked her mom what this world was coming to.
"It was just crazy," the freshman education major said. "I couldn't believe that so many people were killed."
There are blogs that are talking about the tragedy as well as student groups being formed on Facebook to show support for the students at Virginia Tech.
There are even black ribbons with the Virginia Tech logo next to another school's logo with the statement "Today, everyone is a Hokie" underneath it that have replaced students' profile pictures on the popular student Web site.
"It's a terrible tragedy that really effects everyone and every campus," said William Porter, dean of student affairs. "It makes us think of our campus and our students, as well as it's important to think about all the students at Virginia Tech, especially those who died or were injured."
As the victims' names are being made public as well as the name of the shooter, more and more people at Virginia Tech are being affected in some form or fashion.
Mark Danley, a catalog librarian at McWherter Library, received his Master's Degree in history from Virginia Tech in 1991.
Danley said that the Memphis Virginia Tech alumni chapter has already been in contact with each other about the tragic events.
"Our thoughts are on the families of the victims and as we console them, we remain committed to keeping Virginia Tech the great university it is," Danley said. "Virginia Tech is part of our hearts and our lives."
