SEATTLE -- Local alumni of Virginia Tech gathered at a Ballard pub on Monday night to talk about the shootings at their alma mater.

The People's Pub, a regular gathering spot for graduates, was filled will alumni trying to get the latest information.

The news was frightening for one staffer who graduated in 1990, and still visits several times a year.

"It's very surreal, very numbing, especially because a lot of my friends still work there, still live there," said Jon Norris. "The only good news is a friend of mine with an office in that building is alive."

The president of the Seattle Chapter of Virginia Tech's Alumni Association said she has been sending e-mails to fellow alums, sharing the latest information.