The deaths of 32 people at Virginia Tech last Monday made shock waves around the world, but one in particular resonated with the Ohio State community.
Kevin Granata, a Toledo native and Virginia Tech engineering professor, received his bachelor degrees and doctorate at OSU where he also conducted post-doctorate research before accepting a job at the University of Virginia and then later Virginia Tech.
Although the details are still unclear, Ishwar Puri, head of the engineering science and mechanics department at VT, said Granata was in his office at 307 Norris Hall when the shooting began on the second floor. Granata proceeded to round-up students into his office while he went to investigate the situation, according to the ESM department Web site.
"To his last minutes he was concerned about the welfare of his students," Puri said.
Granata was one of five faculty members killed during the shooting as well as another professor in the engineering department. As classes began Monday, the healing process started and Puri faced the task of reorganizing the department.
"We lost our building," he said. "It is a crime scene." The university relocated his office and is in the process of relocating their laboratories. Puri said the department will recommit themselves to excellence in memory of those that lost their lives.
"In five years, you will see an (engineering department) that is better and brighter," he said.
At Virginia Tech, Granata was a top researcher investigating cerebral palsy. Puri said he was interested in human locomotion and stability.
Jerry Greenspan began graduate school with Granata at OSU in 1989. Greenspan said they grew very close because they were the only students studying biomechanical engineering at the time. Greenspan described Granata as a loyal and dependable friend.
"You knew Kevin would be there," he said.
Tasos Karakostas started his doctorate at OSU as Granata was doing post-doctorate research. They did similar research on the spine and Granata helped him with his work, Karakostas said.
In the wake of the shooting, Karakostas said he vivdly recalled one particular memory with Granata. As a recent graduate with a young family, Granata purchased a brand-new sport utility vehicle, saying "Life is too short ... and the family needs it." Kasrakostas said Granata always prioritized the needs of his family.
Greenspan said Granata would be missed most as a father and husband.
The Kevin Granata Memorial Fund, founded by Greenspan, was established to collect money for Granata's wife Linda and their three kids.
"Insane tragic things happen in this world," he said. "You can't control them, but you can control your response to them."
Greenspan said he will donate 25 percent of the gross profits from his two Columbus-based businesses. Other direct donations to the fund can be made at any bank. All the proceeds collected by May 31 will be presented to Granata's family, he said.
Alaina Busch can be reached at busch.61@osu.edu.
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