Remembering 9/11: Commemorations at CWRU
Within hours of the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001, Interim President James Wagner sent an e-mail message to the campus community regarding the attacks. It read, in part:
“Universities are places committed to discourse and dialogue over ideological differences, and we abhor violence or terrorism as a means of expression. For the same reasons, we cannot allow violent acts to force the University to abandon this role.”
Classes and social events were suspended for the day, but the university remained open.
The university opened Amasa Stone Chapel for quiet reflection, and rooms in Thwing Center, Leutner Commons and Fribley Commons were made available as discussion areas. Counseling services were offered by Cleveland Hillel Foundation, Hallinan Center Newman Catholic Campus Ministries, Muslim Campus Outreach Group, United Protestant Campus Ministries, and University Counseling Services. The university marked the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance, held 9/14/2001, in Amasa Stone Chapel.
One year later, a remembrance of the 9/11 attacks was held at the Kelvin Smith Library Oval. CWRU joined the nation in broadcasting Mozart’s "Requiem" beginning at 8:46 a.m. This was followed by a moment of silence and offer of peace at 9:50 a.m. At noon, University Counseling Services sponsored September 11 Then & Now, an open discussion to reflect on personal responses to 9/11. A temporary memorial wall was installed outside Kelvin Smith Library on 9/1/2002 for members of the university community to record their words, photos, and drawings of remembrance. It remained there until 9/30/2002.
In September 2011, the CWRU community gathered to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The remembrance began on 9/9 with an all-campus commemoration event at the Kelvin Smith Library Oval. The event featured a color guard from the City of Cleveland Fire Department, musical performances by the Case Concert Choir, and brief remarks from student leaders and Vice President for Student Affairs, Glenn Nichols. Three Peace by Piece quilts created by students, faculty, and staff after the 9/11 attacks were on display during the event. On the evening of 9/11/2011, the Interfraternity Congress and Panhellenic Council hosted a candlelight vigil at the library oval. During the vigil, students and guests shared their memories and read poetry in remembrance of the victims.
Sources
For more information about 9/11 commemorations at CWRU, please see the CWRU Archives Sources page.
