The special handmade glass trophy for the winner of the Hokie Memorial Chess Tournament. Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
Hokie Memorial Funds

I just arrived at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA for the Hokie Memorial Chess Tournament to raise money for the Hokie Memorial Funds. I am bringing with me a special letter signed by the President, Provost, Senior Vice Provost...
Hokie Memorial Open

A great event for a great cause! If you are in the area, drop by to support this very special event. Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
Hokie Spirit Fund

Chess tournament set to help Hokie Spirit fund BLACKSBURG — In May, Virginia Tech senior Chuck Ronco came up with an idea to raise money for the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund, formed to aid victims of April 16 and...
A special and worthy event

October 13-14, 2007at Quires Student CenterVirginia Tech CampusBlacksburg, VA Please come out and show your support for a truly worthy cause. This is a USCF rated tournament, with all proceeds donated to the Hokie Memorial Fund to honor the...
A very special event on Oct 13-14

The Hokie Memorial Open Chess Tournament will take place on Oct 13-14. This is a special event to commemorate the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech University. Above is Derek O’Dell, President of the Virginia Tech Chess Club. He was...
The messenger – A powerful story

The Messenger Derek O’Dell of Roanoke County returned to Virginia Tech on Aug. 16 — four months after the shooting. The bullet wound in his right arm is healed. Other wounds run deeper. By Matt Chittum The voice leapt...
Students write book about the tragedy

This is Derek O’Dell, President of the VT Chess Club Students Write First Book on MassacreABC NewsPosted: 2007-07-20 23:21:06Filed Under: Nation(July 20) – If journalism is the first draft of history, the student journalists of Virginia Tech are about...
Surviving tale from Virginia Tech

Here are just a few of the countless links about Derek O’Dell, President of the Virginia Tech Chess Club. He was in the German Class at the time of shooting. Thankfully, he survived the tragic ordeal. NewsweekRoanoke Times America...
Searching for Derek O’Dell

I just found out about the story (https://chessdailynews.com/a-survivor-from-virginia-tech/ and https://chessdailynews.com/hero-emerged-from-a-tragedy/) of Derek O’Dell, President of the Virginia Tech Chess Club. I am very touched by what I have read. On behalf of the Susan Polgar Foundation, I would like...