Hokies look to future as classes begin

0 Comments | USA TODAY, August, 2007 | by Donna Leinwand

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- The semester at Virginia Tech began Monday as typically as it could in the lingering shadow of tragedy.

Signs of change since April, when 32 students, faculty and staff were gunned down by student Seung Hui Cho, were noticeable on campus. Police were unobtrusive but visible, traversing the grounds on scooters and parking a squad car at Tech's entrance.

Dorms, previously left open during the day, are locked 24 hours and open only to residents who swipe their ID cards. Red signs are posted at entrances: "STOP! Do you have your Hokie Passport? All entry doors are now on 24-hour card access. ... Do not allow people to tailgate you into the building or open the door for people who do not have access."

Students rushed to class and clubs...