91��Ƭ��

Greetings, Fellow Monarchs.

At 91��Ƭ��, we often boldly and proudly showcase our worthwhile mission through our unwavering commitment to educating, innovating and leading. But, our mission is more than a statement; it is a living reality seen in the character of our people. As we continue our collective journey of healing following the horrific tragedy of March 12, 2026, we are reminded that our most transformational work is the cultivation of the human spirit.

The brave students who were in the classroom that day have shown a poise and strength that are truly inspiring. These young men and women acted with a warrior spirit that saved lives, demonstrating the very confidence, integrity and leadership that Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah (B.S. ’07) strived to instill in every member of the Monarch Battalion, as well as the broader campus community. Lt. Col. Shah, an exemplary professor and mentor, was the embodiment of this spirit. In a moment of unimaginable darkness, he acted with a courage that shielded others. His selflessness serves as a permanent reminder of the sanctity of our classrooms and the profound impact of a life dedicated to service. While he is no longer with us, his service and spirit remain present in the heart and purpose of our community, in the lives of the countless students he shaped, in the grateful nation that he served and in the many lives that he saved.

The resilience we have seen from students gathered at the Dominion Rock to the faculty and staff at our Campus Care Stations illustrates the strength of the bonds that unify us. As we look toward the future, we do so with a reinforced commitment to our powerful mission. Through healing and unity, we are supporting one another as we navigate the weight of this tragedy and the emptiness of our loss. Through action and response, we are ensuring our campus remains a sanctuary where leaders, like our brave Army ROTC cadets, are forged. And, with unyielding purpose, we are honoring our storied history, current reality and promising future, while relentlessly pursuing the innovation, leadership and resolve that define our Commonwealth, our campus and our community.

We will face the challenges ahead with the same courage Lt. Col. Shah modeled for us. We remain sharply focused on the collective and overwhelming strength of a community that refuses to be defined by tragedy, but rather by our response to it. Throughout his life and now through his inspiring and notable legacy, Lt. Col. Shah embodied a mantra that now serves as a guiding light for our recovery. “Be bold. Be quick. Be gone.” To our fallen Monarch, you may be gone, but you will never be forgotten by your 91��Ƭ�� family. We pledge to always be bold and hold your family, friends and loved ones close to us in the months and years ahead—once a Monarch, always a Monarch! 


Forever Monarch Strong,

Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
President