Topics: Speakers, Student Affairs

September 6, 2011

From Sept. 9 to 11, Ball State University invites the community to participate in a series of free on-campus events honoring the memory of those who lost their lives on 9/11. 

The highlight of the weekend's 10th anniversary tribute to 9/11 comes with a presentation by Michelle Rosado, a woman who survived the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and has since co-written a book inspiring people to overcome tragedy. She will speak at 7 p.m. Sept. 11 in Pruis Hall, followed by a candlelight procession to Shafer Tower for a tolling of the carillon bells.

"Michelle Rosado has drawn from her harrowing experience to spread a message of inspiration and hope," said Lynda Wiley, Ball State's associate vice president for student affairs. "Being able to reflect on an event that changed our world with someone who was actually there will be very powerful for those attending her presentation."

Additional events include a Staff Council Blood Drive Sept. 7–8 in Pruis Hall, an Operation Gratitude collection drive Sept. 1–14 and a Day of Service Sept. 10, hosted by Ball State's Student Voluntary Services. Student Government Association will sponsor its "I Remember" project, inviting students to write thoughts and feelings about the anniversary on posters available at various campus locations Sept. 6–9.

On the morning of Sept. 11, Shafer Tower's carillon bells will toll beginning at 9 a.m., signifying the time of the attacks on the World Trade Center 10 years ago.

Wiley said special attention was paid to this year's tribute, given the significance of the anniversary and the relevance of 9/11 on today's Ball State students. "This event shaped how our students grew up, so it was important that the events we planned were not only symbolic but carried with them a deeper meaning," she said.

Sponsors of Ball State's Remember 9/11 events include the Office of the President, Division of Student Affairs, Student Voluntary Services, School of Music, Staff Council, Department of Military Science, Freshman Connections, Student Government Association and Emerging Media Living-Learning Community. For more information about these events, visit the Remember 9/11 website.

By Gail Werner, Media Strategist