Like caring people worldwide, we at Ithaca College felt our lives torn asunder by the tragic events of Tuesday, September 11, 2001. This magazine was well into its production stage at the time of the attacks; much has already happened on campus in the short time since. For now I just want to share with you a few brief thoughts as we all try to cope as best we can in the aftermath of our common catastrophe.

We extend our hearts and prayers to the families of the victims, to the courageous volunteers, and to all who have been affected both directly and indirectly by the terrorist attacks.

We have come together from diverse backgrounds in the pursuit of education. Each member of this community is important and valued. We share the responsibilities of citizenship and service in the global community. I extend the plea to all of us to turn these horrific events into the most important lessons of our lifetime while exercising compassion, restraint, and respect for one another. 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.

As students of the world, we have a duty to learn and to share our knowledge with one another, as well as to help and understand and accept each other. Higher education can be key to helping students ––and indeed, the general public––better comprehend the world- changing events of September 11 and the implications of what may come next. The teachers and scholars on our campuses can:

• help us understand the political, psychological, and historical roots of terrorism;

• provide insight into how the United States is perceived and considered by people elsewhere;

• give us tools to cope with our grief and learn to live with the aftermath of trauma;

• explain the role of media in our understanding of world events;

• create models for us to implement in helping those less fortunate than we are;

• teach us about diverse cultures, philosophies, and theologies;

• help us determine if we are willing to curtail individual liberties in exchange for more security; and even, perhaps,

• inspire us to take the most negative experience of our times and turn it into something positive and hopeful.

Already our campus has been hosting many healing, unifying, and educational activities. I am proud of the Ithaca College community’s thoughtful, caring, and generous response to this tragedy.

Even before the heartbreaking morning of September 11, our campus was mourning the passing, just five days earlier, of Ithaca College president emeritus James J. Whalen, the man who devoted 22 years to the College and led it during a time of spectacular growth. We have much to be grateful to him for.

The next issue of the Ithaca College Quarterly will devote a substantial amount of coverage to the effects of the terrorist attacks on the Ithaca College family. As we look ahead, we have much to be hopeful for.