The events of September 11, 2001, affected many people directly and many, many more indirectly through the impact these events had on world order. We all live in a very different world because of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the reactions that affected all corners of the globe. The anniversary of 9/11 is a day that provides each of us with an opportunity to reflect on the fragility of human life while also recognizing our interconnectedness with the rest of the world. Also, it provides us with an opportunity to honor the victims of 9/11 through service to the community, just as many members of the local and global community rushed to aid others on that day. In fact, recent federal legislation has designated 9/11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Babson will commemorate the day with a number of activities and events, and I invite you to participate in any that interest you. The Glavin Family Chapel will be open from 8 a.m. to noon for private prayer and reflection. At noon in the Chapel, Professor Jeff Melnick from the History and Society Division will share insights from his book 9/11 Culture. This brown bag lunch event is open to the public.

The Bernon Center for Public Service will provide service opportunities and kick off new initiatives on this day. As part of the First Year Service in Action Program, students will volunteer on 9/11 at the Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore in Norwell. Signups will begin on 9/11 for the first Alternative Winter Break Trip to build homes in Thibodaux, Louisiana, an area still impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Also, look for an announcement on 9/11 of an exciting new Bernon Center program that will combine service with your studies to recognize those students committed to creating positive social change. Contact the Bernon Center directly for more information about any of these initiatives.

My memory of 9/11, though colored by personal loss, is one of an incredible sense of community. People supported each other in many, many ways as we all dealt with feelings of loss, disbelief and uncertainty. Babson is a community that provides this kind of support every single day. We are a community built around the ideals of support for each other and personal and community development. Whether you participate in any of the community events around 9/11 or not, I hope you do take some time on that day to reflect both on the impact of 9/11 and what it means to be part of a community like Babson. And, as always, I’d be glad to talk with you if you need support in any way, as would many others on campus.