Five years ago this week, hundreds of us gathered outside near Brookens Library on the UIS campus to grieve the loss of thousands of our sisters and brothers on September 11, 2001. I had been at UIS for less than six months. We knew then that our world had changed forever, though we were not yet sure what that meant.
We still don’t, but we know it has changed. The world is angrier with itself. And we continue to mourn the loss of life caused by violence in our post-9/11 world. Unfortunately, in some parts of the world, and even in our own nation, 9/11 has led to some inappropriate name calling and angry divisions based on race, religion or creed.
At UIS, we stand boldly against divisive action and attitudes. We stand for tolerance, diversity and a healthy respect for many points of view. We champion respect for one another and civility in our treatment of one another. We want that message to reach all of our fellow passengers on this earth. For we welcome students, staff and faculty from many nations. All are welcome here. As I said during our brief ceremony five years ago, we must be mindful of each other as human beings, no matter our creeds, our countries of origin, or our color. That is what distinguishes us and this great nation from any other in the world.
I remind you again that a university community can be a model for everyone. We must exemplify what it means to interact with the highest levels of respect and concern for one another. And while we must be a nation ever vigilant, ever alert, this UIS message is an important one. The lesson of respect and concern is the one that I continue to draw upon from 9/11, and I am grateful that we here at UIS are ambassadors of tolerance, respect and diversity.
