GRANVILLE -- Denison University President Dale T. Knobel invited "every member of the Denison Community" to a Service of Remembrance and Healing in Swasey Chapel on Thursday, September 20.

Focusing on the tragedies of September 11, the service was planned and coordinated by the Rev. David Ball, director of religious life, and Associate Professor Andrew Glendening, chair of the department of music.

The service began with a organ prelude of three pieces played by Distinguished Professor of Fine Arts and University Organist William Osborne. The prelude was followed by an introit, "Requiem aeternam," sung by Collegium Musicum, Denison's early music vocal ensemble, under the direction of Stephen Caracciolo.

During Denison's Serice of Remembrance and Healing held in Swasey Chapel on September 20, the congregation sings the hymn titled, "O God, Our Help in Ages Past."

Following a congregational hymn, Denison Professor of English David Baker recited one of his poems, "Mercy." Kenneth Vessel '04 then spoke, remembering the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Natalie Pineiro '02 read scripture from the Book of Jeremiah, and Denison's Student Dance Ensemble performed "The Unanswered Question," to the music of the Denison Quartet, the Denison Flute Quartet, bass and trumpet. Baker read another of his poems, "High Rider," before Beth Walter, adviser to the Denison Jewish Fellowship, provided the mediatation, "On Tikun Olam."

The Denison Quartet then played Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings." Baker followed with another poem, "A Walk," which was written in response to the events of September 11. Ball then delivered his message for the service titled "Our Challenge Now."

After Ball's message, the Denison Gospel Choir sang the spiritual, "I Got a Robe," inviting the entire congregation to clap to the rhythm. The service concluded with a blessing sung by Collegium Musicum, "In Paradisium."

The service's notes included an explanation of its structure, the text of which follows:

Denison has offered several opportunities for members of the University community to come together and reflect on the events of September 11.

In accordance with the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance on September 14, Denison cancelled midday classes so that community members could gather on the Academic Quad for an 11:45 a.m. period of silence, followed by the ringing of the Swasey Chapel bells. University offices were also closed through the noon hour.

The student Denison Campus Governance Association (DCGA) held a campus forum on September 13 in Slayter Auditorium in which faculty members of the University's International Studies Committee and others had a chance to discuss how these tragedies affect our community and share their international perspectives on recent events. DCGA Vice President Lauren Stowe noted the student group has also has mounted a red-white-and-blue ribbon campaign so Denison students could demonstrate their support.

On the afternoon of September 11, Knobel and Ball led an informal campus gathering in Swasey Chapel in which students, faculty and staff shared their concerns about the tragic terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C. A community church service was also held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church of Granville.

In addition, a candlelight vigil was held at 8:30 on the evening of September 11 in front of the Slayter Student Union, and Denison vans have been ferrying dozens of community individuals to area blood donation facilities.

Since the terrorist attacks, Denison counselors also have been available to students at both the Whisler Health Center and Slayter Student Union. At recent home athletic events, a moment of silence has been observed prior to the singing of the national anthem in recognition of the lives affected by these tragedies.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575