(Wade Barker/ THE BATTALION)

Students across the nation declare Friday "Orange and Maroon Effect Day"

By: Chris Hokanson

Posted: 4/19/07

From Facebook groups to blog posts to simple word of mouth, college students throughout the United States are telling each other to wear maroon and orange on Friday. In an effort to show support of Virginia Tech by colleges across the country, students are calling April 20, 2007, "Orange and Maroon Effect Day," named after an athletic promotion similar to Texas A&M's "Maroon Out." According to the Virginia Tech Athletic Department, the official school colors are "Chicago Maroon" and "Burnt Orange."

Organizers of the various Facebook groups and events say want to "show support for Virginia Tech students, faculty, administrators, staff, alumni, and friends."

One of the largest groups on Facebook was created by Texas A&M graduate student Tommy Aichers, who attended Virginia Tech as an undergraduate.

Representatives of A&M's Student Government Association confirmed that the group is working on creating a T-shirt for "Orange and Maroon Effect Day," but the details of the shirt could not be confirmed. The proceeds of any sale of shirts would go to Virginia Tech, representatives said.