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Columns::October 1, 2001
Annual Russell Symposium focuses on international security
UGA musical groups celebrate Spirit of America’
New portrait of Rogers will be added to presidential collection
Woodwork: UGA researchers conduct studies to determine strength characterstics of timber
Open enrollment period begins Oct. 15 for insurance plans
Remediation process begins over site of former UGA landfill
Campus Closeup
Biological and ag engineering head will direct UGA faculty of engineering
College of Pharmacy names assistant dean
Kudos
And the beat goes on. . .
Campus News
A message to the university community
This is not the letter to the university community I expected to be writing at the start of this new academic year. But the stunning
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| Karen Holbrook |
events of Sept. 11 changed those plans, as so many others. Suddenly, our daily routines were swept away as the unprecedented attack on our country compelled all our attention. Now, in the aftermath, as we seek ways to deal with this tragedy individually and collectively, let us be mindful of the strengths of this academic community and the role we can play in advancing understanding of these events and those still to come.
I know many productive discussions about the Sept. 11 events and their aftermath have taken place in classrooms across campus. It is impossible to catalog all the ways in which faculty have helped students to process and learn from these events, but I do want to acknowledge those who have organized and participated in public discussions in the Chapel and other venues on campus. Faculty from a spectrum of academic disciplines have given very thoughtful presentations. I hope such programs will continue and that there will be opportunities to hear many voices and perspectives as we explore the complicated challenges facing our nation and the world.
Additionally, I appreciate the many faculty who have responded to media requests for expert analysis on a wide variety of issues related to the Sept. 11 attacks--offering insight into the political, social and economic ramifications of these events. Others have provided commentary through letters to the editor and op-ed pieces. It is gratifying to see our faculty lending their expertise and informed opinion to the public dialogue in this way.
I also want to express thanks to staff in the Student Affairs division and other campus units who have helped students cope with the emotional trauma of this national tragedy--from counselors who were immediately on call to those who worked with student leaders to organize the candlelight ceremony that drew several hundred people to Herty Field on Sept. 20. That gathering and others that have taken place at the Tate Center Plaza, the Arch and elsewhere on campus have provided needed opportunities for us to come together to express grief and share hope for a better world. It is encouraging to see so many individual students and student organizations--from SGA to the Muslim Student Association--respond to the tragedy in caring ways: organizing prayer services, raising money for relief efforts, giving blood.
Now, more than ever, it is important to keep this sense of community and to continue to comfort, support, listen to and learn from each other. By advancing learning and understanding, we will ameliorate the toll this tragedy has taken on all of us.
Karen Holbrook
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
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