President encourages Ohio State to sustain sense of spirit, compassion

At Sept. 19 candlelight vigil on the Oval, Kirwan's remarks focus on unity and peace

By Brit Kirwan, University President

What a beautiful and inspiring sight to see so many people -- students, staff, faculty and friends -- gathered here tonight with a common spirit of compassion. It is the same spirit that has brought people together in communities large and small all across the nation this past week.

In the days since the devastating terrorist attacks, we have all been part of something quite remarkable.

As a nation, we have grieved together, and tonight, as a community, we mourn together the tragic loss of life our nation has suffered.

But across the nation, we also have experienced a common bond of concern for our fellow citizens, a reaffirmation of the values upon which our nation was built, a rededication of our belief in our communities and our country.

It is sometimes said that a person's true character is seen clearest in times of crisis.

During the past week, we've experienced a new quality in our national character. It is unfortunate that it took an unconscionably horrible tragedy to draw these feelings of unconditional compassion from us. But there is a powerful lesson we can all learn from this experience.

At the moment of the tragedy, our sole concern was for the welfare of our fellow human beings. We didn't care about their race, or ethnicity, or gender, or sexual orientation.

The firefighters and police officers that so bravely rushed into the World Trade Center represented the full diversity of our nation. Do you think it mattered to anyone trapped in those buildings that the hand reaching out to guide them to safety was that of a black, an Hispanic, a white, a man, a woman, a Muslim, a Jew or a Christian?

At that moment of national crisis, we clearly saw how insignificant these so-called differences really are.

And if they're inconsequential at times of crisis, they certainly should not matter during the course of our everyday lives.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could hold onto this awareness and sustain the compassion that has united us this past week?

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could keep this sense of unity alive in the months and years ahead?

Wouldn't it be wonderful if out of the ashes of the destroyed buildings and the destroyed lives could rise a new spirit of tolerance throughout the land?

Let us resolve here at Ohio State to sustain the spirit so evident among us this evening. Let us resolve to make Ohio State a place where a person's character is what really counts -- not their race, ethnicity, religion or national origin.

Today, as we begin a new academic year, let us dedicate ourselves to building a new sense of community here ... one that is more inclusive, more secure, more supportive of everyone.

We owe it to the memory of those we mourn -- and to the spirit of unity that has brought us to this place tonight.

Shalom, salaam, paz, huh ping, shanty, peace be with you.

Alumni leader Heinlen invites OSU community near and far to share stories of those touched by tragedy

By Dan L. Heinlen, Alumni Association President

Our University has seen many American triumphs and tragedies in its more than 130 years of existence.

The Ohio State community is one with the people who suffered during the recent terrorist attacks. The stages of shock, disbelief, grief, anger and now resolve to triumph have all been felt here.

Classes were not in session on Sept. 11, but the University was having a typically busy day until a little after 9 a.m. when the news came in. We joined the rest of America in front of televisions reporting the utterly evil acts of terrorism that have touched us all. Shortly thereafter all building coordinators were instructed to lock down facilities, and precautionary security measures were put in place. President William E. Kirwan canceled that evening's special events. Athletic Director Andy Geiger postponed the Sept. 15 football game with San Diego State until Oct. 20.

We have not yet sorted out all the damage to Ohio State students, faculty, staff, their families and friends. But we want to know. So while we gather information, we invite you to share in the effort. At the proper time for you, please send us anything you know about members of the Ohio State community touched by this tragedy. We will keep them here at Longaberger Alumni House in the Amstutz Library. In time, if it seems proper, Ohio State Alumni Magazine may report on what we have collected.

Please understand that we do not mean in any way to imply that being connected to Ohio State makes individuals involved in this tragedy more important than anyone else. All we want to show is the extent of what has happened through the stories of people we know through our University.

Now, wherever you are, please once again take a moment to silently remember the lost and renew your resolve to triumph.

May God bless America.

Stories should be sent to OSAM at the Longaberger Alumni House, 2200 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210-1035, or to MyStory@alumni-osu.org. Submissions should include the author's name, city, state and class year.

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