Students at SMU stared in disbelief at their televisions last Sept. 11 as they saw plumes of fire and smoke staining the sky over New York City. Before their eyes, both towers of the World Trade Center crashed to the ground, enveloping the city with smoke, concrete dust and silence.
University Chaplain Will Finnin described the general feelings of the students immediately following the attack as ones of “insecurity, confusion and horror at the visual destruction before them.”
“Sept. 11 allowed the community to become aware of its own vulnerability,” Finnin said. “After the initial outpouring of concern and horror came anger and frustration. It made us give serious consideration to American relations with terrorists … and those who’ve felt negatively affected by America power. We began questioning what could produce such an aggressive attack.”
This year, as students experience the first anniversary of that infamous day, the Perkins School of Theology is conducting a 24-hour prayer vigil in Perkins Chapel.
The vigil service will begins at 12:01 a.m. Most of the services will last 15 to 20 minutes.
President R. Gerald Turner will lead the Remembrance Ceremony at the Main Quad Flagpole at 11:45 a.m., Program Council will show a display in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center Commons from noon to 1 p.m. and a Volunteer and Nonprofit Career Fair will run in the Hughes-Trigg Ballroom from noon to 2:30 p.m.
Campus ministries will also deal with the anniversary in various ways.
The Wesley Foundation will sponsor a prayer line with Campus Crusade for Christ in a “spiritualized effort” to help students.
“We will have our regular Wednesday night service with moments of prayer and reflection,” said Justin Coleman, a theology graduate student and Wesley member. “We hope the whole campus community can pull together. Wesley will always be there for anyone with spiritual needs or nurturing.”
Reverend Barbara Kelton, Chaplain of the Episcopalian Canterbury House, said they, too, will hold their regular Wednesday service including a memorial and prayer for those
involved in the attack.
Asad Rahman, president of the Muslim Student Association hopes the community will pull together during the time of unity.
“When Sept. 11 happened, [the members of the Muslim Student Association] reacted like every American citizen – we felt distraught, scared and saddened by what had happened,” Rahman said.
Finnin said he understands their feelings.
“Members of MSA were as perplexed and frustrated as everyone else,” Finnin said. “They are devout people who understand their religion as one of peace and justice.”
