ATHENS, Ohio -- The tragic events of Sept. 11 at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in rural Pennsylvania have consumed us all with myriad emotions -- shock, horror, disbelief, anger, fright, grief, compassion for victims and their families and worry about the future. In all of that, most of us also have realized that this is a time for coming together, for confirming and reasserting that we are one community.

My first thoughts have been for the loved ones of victims, of whom there are many thousands. They need our thoughts and prayers as they go through a horrendous ordeal. We also must think of our students, perhaps most especially first-year students who have just left home to begin the great college adventure, only to have that experience confounded by one of the most tragic events in the history of our nation. This is a time in onešs life in which homesickness and self-doubt present challenges even in normal times. During crises, students may approach us for help and guidance, as they would family members at home. Ohio University is their home. We are an extended family. And all of our students need our support now more than ever.

I also am concerned about us, the faculty and staff of Ohio University. With all the events and services we schedule and offer to help students cope with this calamity, we recognize as well that all of us need support to heal and cope because this is a shared experience. We need to talk, to express our feelings, to interpret our private concerns about what this national tragedy will do to our society. Will we demonstrate the greatness of America by defending our freedoms and appreciating our diversity, or will we overreact, express our anger randomly and constrain our freedoms out of fear?

I believe we will come together to safeguard our freedoms and value our diversity. Most of us witnessed the horrific events unfold in New York, one of the most diverse cities in the world. The video depicted us as one community, one America, with people of all races and creeds coming to the aid of their injured neighbors and co-workers. We at Ohio University embrace the concept of one community, not only during crises but for all time.

Thus, as I have stated on numerous occasions this past week, I ask your support and compassion for the international members of our community. Perhaps it is only natural in a time of crisis such as this to assume a more nationalistic mood. But a true nationalistic mood in America is, by its very nature, a diverse and international one. That is why none of us should ever engage in "group blame." We should never stereotype. We should never be suspicious of or offensive to people just because of their ethnicity or religion. Instead, we should remember that we are an extended family and an inclusive community. It behooves us to be supportive, even protective of our international students and their families, because they truly are a part of us and our own.

I am exceedingly proud of the way we, as a community, have reacted to this crisis. We have shown concern and understanding for one another. Let us recognize that these tragic events will live in our memories for the rest of our lives, but let us also recognize that we are a strong and resilient community and that our basic values -- respect, diversity, civility -- will override all doubts and fears. We celebrate and appreciate that we are one community!