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News Releases » 2001 » September 09/14/2001Ithaca College Observes National Day of Prayer and Remembrance
Ithaca, NY--In recognition of President Bush's declaration of Friday, September 14, as a national day of prayer and remembrance for the victims of the tragic events of September 11, Ithaca College held a noontime community gathering on the Academic Quad. All classes during the noon hour were cancelled, and non-essential staff were given time off during that period to attend the observance. Lead by President Peggy R. Williams, the gathering included prayer and song, with participation by the College chaplains, faculty, and students.
Also on Friday, President Williams issued the following statement to the campus community: September 14, 2001 As this difficult week draws to a close, I want to share a few thoughts with members of the Ithaca College community. Our hearts and prayers continue to go out to the many victims, families, and friends affected by this terrible tragedy. 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 this week. I am also deeply appreciative of the messages of support that we have received from our alumni and friends, locally and from afar. Ithaca College comprises faculty, staff, students, and alumni from around the world, offering unique and different experiences, talents, and perspectives. In an educational community such as ours, we have a collective responsibility to learn from, challenge, and support one another. It is my hope and expectation that members of this community will continue to reach out with understanding and sensitivity as each of us deals with this tragedy in our own way. Let us accept the challenge to learn from this…to stop the cycle of violence against one another and to work to develop the desire and capacity to live together peacefully and with respect. I have charged members of the faculty and academic administration to find opportunities for our campus community to begin to make sense of these awful events. Plans are underway to hold a number of discussions and presentations in the near future and throughout the year. A faculty-led panel presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, September 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the Emerson Suites. More details about this and future programs will be forthcoming. I have received some questions from a few members of the College community about our decision to continue with classes and activities. This decision was not reached lightly, and the provost, deans, vice-presidents and I continue to view this as an important opportunity to bring together members of our residential campus community for mutual support and reflection. I have asked faculty and staff to demonstrate sensitivity and understanding toward students during this difficult period. Consideration should be given to students, on an individual basis, for missed classes and coursework this week. Ithaca College is committed to providing the resources and essential services to assist each person during this difficult time. Counseling and other support services will continue to be available from our counseling center staff, the College chaplains, and from all members of the campus community. Please continue to talk to each other, offer compassion to someone in need, and reach out for help when you need it. I am proud of the members of this College community and remain confident that together we will stand strong during this sad and challenging time. Contact: Dave Maley Office: (607) 274-1440 news@ithaca.edu Reference: 782 |
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