Erin Peterson
| Erin Peterson | |
| [[Image:|150px| ]] | |
| Name | Erin Peterson |
| Chapter | Alpha Rho Virginia Tech |
| Date Inducted | Spring 2007 |
| Roll Number | ΑΡ xxx |
| Alumni Chapter/Assoc | |
| Honorary Member | |
| Major | International Studies |
| Birthdate | 8/17/1988 |
| Spouse | n/a |
| Nicknames | |
| Awards | |
Erin N. Peterson (17 August 1988 - 17 April 2007) was an Initiate of Alpha Rho Chapter (ΑΡ xxx) at Virginia Tech. Erin was among the 32 victims of the Virginia Tech tragedy on the morning of April 16, 2007.
Contents
Initiation Period at Alpha Rho Chapter
Erin rushed in Spring 2007 and was extended a bid to become a member of the Alpha Eta Initiate Class. She completed all initiation requirements, and did so with enthusiasm. Commented Erin's Initiation Chair, Megan Caligiuri, "Erin's laugh was contagious, her smile warming, her energy irresistible, herattitude positive, and her thirst for knowledge, relationships, and experiences--insatiable. She played an active role on every pledge class committee, but obligations aside her attitude was one of the most important facets anyone could contribute to the group. When time was tight and stress was high Erin's optimism would boost the moral of her fellow classmates. All it took is one laugh to escape Erin's mouth, and somehow everyone else would end up laughing."
On the night of Sunday, April 15, 2007, Alpha Rho held Final Vote on the Alpha Eta Initiate Class. Erin passed the vote and was scheduled for Induction on Thursday of that week.
Tragedy
On the morning of April 16, 2007, Erin was sitting in her French class in Norris Hall Room 211 when a gunman forced his way into the room, fatally shooting Professor Jocelyne Couture-Nowak as she attempted to block the door. After shooting several students, the gunman left the room and later returned, shooting several more before turning the gun on himself. Erin, along with Reema Samaha, sister of Alpha Rho Alumnus Omar Samaha was among the eleven students killed in the room.
Erin's funeral on April 24 was attended by over 60 Alpha Rho Brothers who wore purple and gold ribbons and their letter pins in a show of unity. Erin was laid to rest in the shirt she rightfully earned but never had a chance to wear during life: her letters. She was posthumously inducted into Alpha Rho Chapter with the rest of her initiate class.
Bigs and Littles
Erin's Big Brother is Andy Schrider, who is an Active Member at Alpha Rho.
