October 12, 2001

Loyola responds to a national tragedy

Proud to be Americans... Proud to be part of the pack

by Ashley Riley, A'02, Intern in the Offices of Public Affairs and Publications

On the morning of September 11, 2001, people all over the United States of America sat shocked and saddened as they watch the attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. It is a day that will live on forever, a day that forced a nation, often known for its conflicting diversities, to unite.

Although Loyola is located hundreds of miles away from New York City and Washington D.C., these terrible attacks strongly influenced the university community. Many students' family and friends were directly affected by the attacks; paranoia and confusion were the order of the day. In an attempt to provide "some sense of normalcy" for students and faculty, University President Bernard Knoth, S.J., sent out a campus e-mail asking the students and faculty to continue classes and to not make travel plans.

Loyola scheduled prayer services and rosary services throughout the day, and professional counselors were available for assistance. During the window, university administrators, representatives of University Ministry, and student leaders held an information session and led a short service. Ignatius Chapel was kept open for 24 hours with a chaplain available at all times. Jim Eiseman, vice president of student affairs, addressed the Loyola community through a mass e-mail, asking "all of us be sensitive to the needs of our community members," and "to treat all of our fellows with compassion."

Student Health Services immediately contacted the Blood Center in New Orleans, but due to the extreme demand for services, the Blood Center was unable to come to the Loyola campus. Therefore, Student Health Services advised students on where blood could be donated within the New Orleans metropolitan area.

The national tragedy took priority over regular university functions. The administrative senate was forced to postpone its regular monthly meeting. Dave Huffman, administrative senate chair, asked his fellow senators to "please join me in praying for the souls of those who have been lost this morning, the families left behind, our nation, our students here from the directly affected areas, and each other at this tragic and senseless moment."

As the week continued, the shock lessened, but the sadness and outrage grew. An interfaith prayer service was held in the Peace Quad on September 14, and drew over 1,500 members of the community. Mary Flynn, president of the Student Government Association, and senior Nicole Lieberman asked each student to give $1 to the American Red Cross. Donation sites were set up at the Danna Center, University Ministry, and the SGA office. Over $9,000 was raised in two days.

Campus organizations did their share to keep the Loyola community together. The Diversity Champions organized a gathering for Friday, September 14. "This event will now allow us to come together as proud citizens of the United Statesproud of our religious, ethnic, and cultural heritage, united as one Loyola community," Karen Shields, director of new student orientation, said.

Loyola's attempts to aid the affected Americans continue. The Blood Center came to campus on Thursday, September 27, to receive blood donations. A lecture series titled "Tragedy at the World Trade Center: Reflections on the Crisis in the United States and the World," began October 1. Professors from Loyola and other area universities are speaking on a variety of topics, ranging from "Social Justice Organizing in Times of Crisis" to "Why a Military Response is Advisable: Theoretical and Practical Considerations" to "Islam: The Misunderstood Religion." The series speakers hope the lectures will give both the Loyola community and the local community a chance to gain insight into the events which led to the attack.

During this time of both national tragedy and renewal, Loyola community members exhibited the true spirit of the Jesuit tradition of people for others. Students, faculty, staff, campus organizations, and University Ministry came together to offer prayer, solace, love, and support to victims and the families who grieve for them. We joined with the rest of the country in showing how proud we are to be Americans, and more intimately, how proud we are to be part of the pack.