Dear Campus Community Members,
As the 10th anniversary of the September 11 tragedy approaches, I hope you will join me in taking time to reflect on both the lives lost on that fateful day and where we stand as a global community a decade later.
In a university setting where the free exchange of ideas is not only accepted but also vigorously encouraged, we are in a unique position to explore ways to bridge cultural, religious and political differences, and build bonds of friendship and respect that triumph over fear and hatred.
The individual lives lost on September 11—nearly 3,000 people from more than 80 countries representing a broad spectrum of political and religious views—can never be reclaimed. But we can honor those lives by redoubling our efforts to eliminate ignorance and drive out intolerance through the university’s mission of education, research and public service, as well as through our personal actions.
Mayor Bill Spriggs and I will lead a moment of silence this afternoon at 1:30 p.m. at the oak tree in the roundabout in front of the Leo and Dottie Kolligian Library. I invite you to join us.
However you choose to remember the events of September 11, may we always remember our role as educators in advancing knowledge, understanding and compassion in this world. The most powerful weapon anyone can bring to bear on world conflict is the one we wield, as educators, every day.
Sincerely,
Dorothy Leland
Chancellor
