University of Vermont
Campus Observance
September 12, 2001

Remarks by President Edwin Colodny


This is a difficult, painful time for our nation and for every American.
Why do we gather here?    Yesterday was a day of unspeakable horror, shock,
disbelief, and death that shook our very foundations as a free society.

Now we grieve for those taken.  Now we try to understand, to reflect on the
meaning of these senseless acts, and to consider our response - as a nation,
as a community, and as individuals.  We all want the perpetrators brought to
justice.

For most of our students, this is the first exposure to a true national
crisis - a crisis of the magnitude of Pearl Harbor, the Vietnam War, or the
assassination of a President.  For you, and for all of us, this is a time of
uncertainty, distress, and high emotion.  Sadly, for many, it is also a time
of great personal loss.

Our world has been indelibly changed.   This is one of those dramatic,
inconceivable moments that each of us will remember vividly for the rest of
our lives - captured in real time on television.

This is also a time when we must think carefully about our choices.  How
will we frame our responses?  Will we look inwardly or reach out to others?
Will we react with anger or reason?  Will we find a way, even through this
chaos and pain, to make our world a better place?

We are blessed to be a part of an extraordinary educational community.  A
place where debate, rational thought, and new ideas are valued and
celebrated.   A place where, both collectively and individually, we can work
to make a positive difference.

We are about education.  That's not just about preparing for a job.  It's
about the opportunity, and the serious responsibility, to look beyond
ourselves, to show the way to making this community, this nation, and this
world a better place.   And to be leaders, not bystanders, in that vital
quest.

Now is the time to do what we do best.  To share ideas, perspectives, and
concerns, both in and out of class.   To debate issues based on evidence and
knowledge.   To support each other and mentor our students.  To make sure we
do not place blame without facts, or blame the many for the acts of a few.
To reach out to those who need our help.  To support our national leaders.

Now is the time to honor our educational traditions and come together as a
University.

This is a dire situation, with tragic consequences for so many Americans.
But as members of a vibrant community, and as individuals with
responsibilities to one another, it is our duty to think carefully, believe
in, and work vigorously toward the goals of justice, understanding, and,
ultimately, peace.

For all of us, I ask that we embrace knowledge, insight, and wisdom as our
guides as we face the difficult challenges and choices ahead.

Thank you.