Ithaca College Responds to September 11 Terrorist Attacks

Though far away from campus, the horrific events of Tuesday, September 11, nonetheless touched every member of the Ithaca College community in some fashion. In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the College supplied information and assistance to those in need.

• Counseling center staff and the College chaplains provided group and individual support to those needing counseling. Seventy people turned out for two sessions that were held to give advice and information to campus community members who might find themselves in a position to counsel students and others affected by the attacks.
• The Office of Financial Aid offered interest-free emergency loans to eligible students who needed to return home or travel to a relative as a direct result of this tragedy.
• Telephones with long-distance access for student use were placed in Campus Center lounges and meeting rooms.
• In three hours’ time at a table in the Campus Center lobby, members of the Ithaca College community filled all 180 available appointments for a previously scheduled October 9 American Red Cross blood drive on campus.
• A candlelight vigil was held on the evening of September 11, followed on Friday, September 14, with a campus observance of President Bush’s call for a national day of prayer and remembrance. Lead by President Williams, the interdenominational gatherings included prayer and song, with participation by the College chaplains, faculty members, and students.

"Our hearts and prayers continue to go out to the many victims, families, and friends affected by this terrible tragedy," President Peggy R. Williams wrote to the College community. "I would like to thank members of the faculty, staff, administration, and student body for the courage you have displayed and the support you have given one another."

Williams also urged the community to resist responding to the attacks with stereotyping and scapegoating. "I strongly implore you to do your part in helping Ithaca College to be a model for others to follow and a light during this time of darkness."

The College has created a website (www.ithaca.edu/september11) with information of use to the campus community. It includes lists, compiled by the Office of Alumni Relations, of alumni who are missing or who have been confirmed killed in the attacks, as well as those reported to have survived; the texts of remarks by faculty members delivered at educational forums held following the attacks; and links to other internal and external information resources.