On September 11 always remember, and each and every September 12, take some time that day to take stock of where you are and what you're doing. Ask yourself, 'What am I doing to help my neighbor, my community, my nation? Am I doing something to make a difference?' Each year, recommit yourself to the spirit of September 12.
--U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christie Whitman, Hamilton College Commencement, May 26, 2002
A year after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the Hamilton College community will remember those who died and embrace the message of hope that U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christie Whitman gave to its 2002 graduates: "The Spirit of September 12." Whitman, who was the speaker at Hamilton's 190th commencement, said, "It's been different ever since the morning of September 11.…No one will ever forget where they were that morning…I am not here to dwell on September 11. Instead, I want you to think about September 12… September 12 was when our healing began."
On September 11 at 10:29 a.m., the time when the second tower of the World Trade Center collapsed, Hamilton College will ring the Chapel bell. That evening at 7:30 p.m., a community-wide candlelight vigil will start at the McEwen Breezeway, and participants will walk to the steps of the Burke Library. Hamilton College President Eugene Tobin will offer remarks, and the College Choir will perform to remember all those who died.
The following day, September 12, the Hamilton community will celebrate the "Spirit of September 12." From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Beinecke Student Activities Village will set up stations for voter registration; blood drive sign-ups (blood given on September 24); community service opportunities (through Hamilton Action Volunteers Outreach Coalition); and other activities to celebrate the spirit of September 12.
President Tobin said, "We lost three alumni on that tragic day. During our candlelight vigil we will specially honor our alumni as we remember all who died on September 11. September 12 will be devoted to citizenship and community service—'The Spirit of September 12'—as Christie Whitman suggested.
"In the days following September 11, the Hamilton community responded compassionately, generously, intellectually and in action. With the rest of America, we gave blood, raised funds and collected needed items for the victims and the rescue workers, we showed solidarity by displaying the flag, and we rallied for the future. Hamilton alumni established a scholarship fund for the children of people who died September 11. Faculty members addressed the questions raised by their students about Islam, psychological issues, the historic context, the economy and foreign relations.
"September 11 changed us forever. Let the spirit of September 12 shape the future," Tobin said.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Sept. 11: A Day of Remembrance
10:29 a.m. Ringing of the Chapel bell
4:45 p.m. Religious Service (non-denominational) Chapel 3rd floor
7:30 p.m. Candlelight Vigil. Meet at McEwen Breezeway and walk to steps of Burke Library. 7:50 p.m. Remarks by President Tobin
8 p.m. College Choir will sing
Sept. 12: The Spirit of September 12
11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Beinecke Village
• Voter registration;
• blood drive sign-up (blood given on Sept. 24);
• community service opportunities
5 p.m.-8 p.m. HAVOC fair, Fillius Events Barn
8 p.m. George Borjas, a Harvard economist will present "The Economics of Immigration," Kirner-Johnson auditorium.
