September 11,2001: How did you first hear about it?

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I forgot to mention earlier, we did end up having class at Syracuse University that day but - the Administration had "encouraged" the faculty to cancel the planned class and just talk (which I have no doubt was already what most of them were going to do anyway). We did just exactly that - sat around and talked about what had happened and how we were feeling. Right at the end the Professor had us all stand in a circle and hold hands and say a little prayer. The whole thing really was very helpful.

Earlier in the day, I had found myself wandering over to the Student Center and instantly was given a handout by someone at the doorway - a letter to the students from Kevin Morrow - I don't know his official position but he's a V.P. in charge of communication, faculty-student relations, etc. It outlined the University's preliminary response, said that the chapel was going to be open 24/7, said that the ministers there and the counselors in student counciling were available at any time for support, and gave initial plans for a memorial service on the quad outside the chapel. Then I went downstairs, where they had already arranged for a large projection screen tv to be set up, and I watched cnn for awhile. Within a day, plans had been made to grant time off to anyone who had a family member or friend directly involved, or just plain felt unable to continue and needed to take the semester off.

I really must say that i.m.o. Syracuse University showed their best colors that day and in the weeks afterward. The degree of support the Administration and Faculty gave to the students - in an organized, thoughtful way - was remarkable.