September 9, 2002
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt University’s first Arab-American Muslim Student Government Association president, Samar Ali, will join members of the campus community for “A Day of Hope and Remembrance” to commemorate Sept. 11.
Ali, Chancellor Gordon Gee and Lucius Outlaw, Vanderbilt professor of philosophy and director of African American Studies, will facilitate “World on Wednesdays,” a noon forum on the Rand Hall terrace with students, faculty and staff about the tragedy and its aftermath. “World on Wednesdays” is an ongoing weekly forum at Vanderbilt for student, staff and faculty presentations, conversations and lectures on global issues.
Samar Ali spoke at Vanderbilt’s “Come Together” ceremony two days after Sept. 11 and was elected SGA president a few months later.
Other activities planned for the day include:
· A 7:30 a.m. ceremony during which music will be played and the American flag lowered at 7:46 a.m. – the time of the first attack on the World Trade Center. Members of the campus community will also light a “flame of hope” at the ceremony, which will remain lit throughout the day.
· At 4 p.m., a campus-wide multifaith/multicultural “Service for Peaceful Tomorrows” is scheduled that will feature poetry readings and music.
· “9-11 Perspectives: A Year Later,” a panel discussion featuring Vanderbilt faculty will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Sarratt Cinema.
· Throughout the day a “Hope and Remembrance Tree” on Alumni Lawn will be the site for students, faculty and staff to write messages and thoughts on pieces of cloth to encourage healing and reflection. The pieces of cloth will be placed on the tree. The same tree was used following the attacks on America as an impromptu memorial to victims and as a way for students to share their emotions regarding the tragedy.
All events are free and open to the public. For more information, call the Office of the University Chaplain at 615-322-2457.
Contact: Princine Lewis, 615-322-NEWS, princine.l.lewis@vanderbilt.edu