ATHENS, Ohio -- In the wake of the worst terrorist act in the nation's history, Ohio University students, faculty and administration tonight met outside Templeton Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium for a candlelight vigil.
Hundreds of participants filled the College Green and listened to Ohio University President Robert Glidden, Interim Provost Gary Schumacher and Student Senate President Jim Hintz.
"This is a very sad day in American history and in the history of the world," Glidden said. "It is a difficult time for all of us. I assure you that you will remember this day for the rest of your lives. You will remember exactly where you were when you first heard the news. You will remember who told you. You will remember who you were with. You will remember your thoughts and reactions. And you will remember what you felt inside in ways that defy verbal description."
"Please remember that it was hate that caused this tragedy and hate will not undo it. Hate will not help us heal, nor will it resolve any differences. As terrible and senseless and frightening and frustrating as this tragedy is, please remember that our first thoughts must be of love and compassion. Our first thoughts must be for the victims, their families and their loved ones."
"As tempting as it may be for some of us, let us not react with anger and with hate. We do not even know to whom any such anger would be directed. And it may be some time before we do know. Let our government and our law enforcement agencies deal with the perpetrators. For us, it is important not to presume, and it is essential not to stereotype."
"Please be especially sensitive to -- and protective of -- our international community. They are a part of our community and they are as horrified by this as anyone. I want to be sure that we have no incidents that make any members of our international community uncomfortable. Of one thing we can be sure: they are not to blame."
"We as an Ohio University family have suffered a tremendous loss today," Hintz said. "It is now that we must comfort each other in our time of need."
"As past Ohio University President John Calhoun Baker stated: 'this university is dedicated to the search for wisdom and to the service of mankind so that people of the world may live together in harmony.' As members of the university community, we have come together tonight to create our own sense of harmony amidst this chaos," Hintz said.
Speakers emphasized the variety of psychological resources that are available to the university community. Students in need of personal support or assistance can visit the Counseling Center on the third floor of Hudson Health Center. Students can drop in or call 593-1616 for an appointment.
In addition, Galbreath Chapel remained open around the clock to provide students and other members of the university community with a place for private contemplation. Baker University Center and the Memorial Auditorium lobby were kept open for as long as there were people interested in gathering and following the news coverage from those locations.
Following the speakers, President Glidden led a moment of silence, then candles were lit and quiet processions flowed to gather for discussion groups in Bromley Hall, Baker University Center, Old Nelson Dining Hall and Jefferson Hall.
Ohio University's Web site -- http://www.ohiou.edu -- will be kept up-to-date with any university status changes and new developments.
