RELEASED: September 12, 2001

THE DAY - AND DAYS - AFTER

Let me begin by expressing my deep hope that all of your loved ones are safe. I have not heard that any member of the Centre College community has been touched by the events of Sept. 11 in this direct way, and I pray that none will be.

However, none of us can escape the effects of this seemingly incomprehensible tragedy. Our first reactions run the gamut of emotions — disbelief, confusion, vulnerability, grief, anger. Such reactions are unavoidable when we are confronted with an event of this magnitude. Never before has our nation been attacked so directly, with such
devastating loss of human life.

But while these emotions are understandable — and while they may never leave us — we must not let them control us as we deal with the aftermath of the attacks. Some people within our society will unfortunately, but inevitably give in to them. They will jump to conclusions, give into prejudices, and place blame before the evidence is in. They will strike out at members of other societies — and even at their fellow citizens — as they seek simple answers to complicated questions.

Let us not turn to such responses. Rather, let us listen, in Abraham Lincoln's words, to "the better angels of our nature."

That is why we at Centre College, and all of us engaged in the enterprise of education, have a special responsibility. We proclaim a profound commitment to learning, leadership, and service. We must use the power of learning -- thinking analytically, seeing issues from other perspectives, communicating clearly — to help ourselves understand as best we can the causes and consequences of the attacks. We must provide leadership through our example, and we must serve as we help others make their way through this difficult time. We will do so in our normal activities and through special efforts and programs that we will develop in the coming days and weeks.

In other words, we will do what we do best.

May each of you find peace in his or her own way and comfort in our shared community.

Thank you,
John Roush

 Note: Page relating to Centre alumni (http://www.centre.edu/web/alumni/newyorkdc.html).