Denison University will remember and reflect on the tragedy of September 11, 2001, in ways that allow students, staff, faculty and the Granville community to grieve the loss and memorialize the lives of the many people who lost their lives on that day, says Amy Ard '96, interim chaplain and director of religious life at Denison. However, this year's reflection also will attempt to orient participants towards a future goal of global peace where terrorism, in all its many forms, will cease to exist and the value of a peaceful, global community will be recognized.

Beginning on September 9, the outdoor seating area on the main academic quad, adjacent to the Doane Administration Building will be home to the Peace Tree Project. The Denison community will be invited to stop by and write a message, memorial, prayer, wish, etc., on a piece of white cloth and tie it to one of the tree branches in this area. The project will conclude at the end of the week and the messages will be compiled.

At 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday (Sept. 11) as the sun sets, the community will be invited to gather on the slope leading from the main academic quad to the lower campus for an Interfaith Candle Lighting Ceremony. The theme for this evening's event originates from a quote eulogizing Eleanor Roosevelt. Adlai Stevenson said of her, "She would rather light candles than curse the darkness." This service will offer the community a constructive outlet for their continuing sorrow and confusion and issue a charge that we all continue to light candles in the dark corners where race, hatred and violence lurk.

Students representing several religious traditions will offer music and readings from their tradition on the theme of extinguishing hate and living a life oriented towards peace and justice. In addition, some messages from the Peace Tree Project will be read aloud at this service.

"A Service of Memorialization in the Christian Tradition" will begin the day at 8 a.m. in Swasey Chapel. The community is also invited to participate in this service.

At 8:46 a.m., the time the first plane hit the World Trade Tower, bells will toll from Swasey Chapel to commemorate those who lost their lives due to the attacks and those whose bravery resulted in thousands of lives saved. Everyone on campus will be encouraged to observe two minutes of silence.

Students and faculty may gather at the Peace Trees to spend these minutes together as a community or, simply stop whatever activities they are engaged in to reflect and remember. Faculty teaching at this hour will be encouraged to integrate time for reflection into their class discussions.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

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(740) 587-8575