On this day of remembrance and mourning

Dear Family and Friends of Fairleigh Dickinson University,

One year ago, we stood together as a community, as a nation, as a world, in stunned horror as thousands of individuals were cruelly taken from us. I'm sure that, like me, you have indelible images that are carved in your memory and in your hearts.

The University community, in particular, continues to grieve for 18 alumni and mourns with our students, faculty, staff and alumni who lost family members and friends in the tragedy. The pain of losing one close to you does not relent with the passage of time, and so we continue to offer our support to the loved ones left behind. We will never forget your tremendous loss.

But light has emerged from the darkness. Since September 11, we have witnessed valiant illustrations of the power of the human spirit. We have seen the resiliency and determination of a community, indeed of an entire nation. I vividly remember visiting Ground Zero a few days following the attack and seeing messages written on the wall; messages that spoke to the resolve of those who refused to be defeated. We salute those who have come together with courage and compassion.

We understand, then as now, that in order to renew and rebuild we must remain committed to our fundamental values of tolerance, respect and freedom. The real enemies remain ignorance and intolerance, which breed hatred and fanaticism. In the face of these enemies, we must continue to believe in each other and the promise of peace. As members of an academic community, we must also continue to believe that peace can be fulfilled through education — education that is inclusive, open and responsive to ideas, issues and growth.

I was never more proud of Fairleigh Dickinson University than in the days following September 11. I watched in admiration as our community embraced and comforted each other. I know we will continue in that spirit of unity to support and assist those among us who need help. At the same time, I know we will remain devoted to our global mission and our goal of educating global citizens. To be a global citizen is to recognize that our fates are impacted by challenges that know no borders and that our lives are interconnected by countless strands.

As the attacks occurred, one of our friends and colleagues, Mark Campbell, was in a hospital room watching the birth of his son, Mitchell. Amid such a tragedy, humanity and life push onward, refusing to bow to despair. And from such a tragedy, we will grow stronger, united in our common effort to make this world a better place for ourselves and future generations.

On this day of remembrance and mourning, I salute you and send a message of resolve, hope and peace.

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