Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Liviu Librescu, RIP

There is often a hero in situations of horrible tragedy. During the rampage of Cho Seung-Hui, the Virginia Tech gunman, a 77-year old physics professor displayed preternatural courage.

The professor was Liviu Librescu, a Romanian Jew who emigrated to Israel and became an aeronautics specialist. His family will bury him in Israel.

Prof. Librescu did research for NASA during his long career, taught solid mechanics, aerospace and oceanic engineering. Yesterday he barred the door of his physics class in Norris Hall -- the building where Seung-Hui killed 30 of his 32 victims -- against the murderer while his students dove under desks or fled out the windows. Don't blame the students, laud the professor who displayed bravery that far exceeds any normal parameters.

RIP Professor.

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