Sept 10 , 2002 Online Since 1996 Vol 77 No. 4
A look back at ASU’s response to 9-11 Carrie Baker
Senior Staff Writer
Chancellor/ Student Development Beat
   As Appalachian State University prepares to look back in remembrance on the one-year anniversary of 9-11, faculty, staff and students undoubtedly are calling to mind their personal memories of that now infamous date.
   Walking back from class, turning on the television, getting out of the shower, eating breakfast, heading to work, all common place morning activities, were made memorable to members of the Appalachian community the morning of 9-11.
   At 8:45 a.m., the nation’s eyes turned towards New York as news of the first attack on the World Trade Center was reported.
    Televisions in Plemmons Student Union, residence hall rooms, some classrooms and other sites across campus turned to the ongoing coverage of the horrific events. Students, faculty and staff watched as unbelievable images flashed across the screens and equally as shocked newscasters attempted to cover the breaking news in disbelief. Some viewers sat in a stunned silence while some muttered the unanswered question, “How can this possibly be happening?”		  

   Appalachian, along with the rest of the nation, came to an overwhelmed crawl that Tuesday morning a year ago tomorrow as citizens attempted to come to grips with the fact that the seemingly impossible was now a reality.
    America was under attack.
    With the initial shock still sinking in, Appalachian responded by gathering prayer groups across campus and holding impromptu discussion sessions in facilities such as I.G. Greer Auditorium. The Appalachian Counseling Center lengthened its hours to aid students in coping with the shock from the morning’s frightening events.

 
   The Appalachian staff immediately kicked into gear, covering Appalachian’s response to 9-11. Staff members rushed to bring in the information of the university’s reaction, while they dealt with their own emotions subsequent to the morning attacks.
    Sept. 13’s edition of The Appalachian ran with pictures and stories detailing 9-11’s events and Appalachian’s methods of coping.
    Later that Thursday, classes were suspended from 3:30 - 5 p.m. as approximately 6,000 students, faculty, staff and members of the Boone community flocked to the George M. Holmes Convocation Center to reflect together. Chancellor Francis T. Borkowski addressed the grieving crowd, encouraging the Appalachian community to grieve but move on.
    Appalachian State did just that, as classes returned to regular schedules and groups provided opportunities for students to continue to gather and reflect, or ask questions.
    One month following the 9-11 attacks, Appalachian still debated the issues of terrorism as more information regarding the 9-11 attacks was brought to light. The university continued its plight to move forward however, as students continued with normal activities and issues at Appalachian such as the state of the North Carolina budget and game day drinking were brought to the front. The Appalachian community still felt sadness and confusion a month later but was attempting to move forward.
    With the one-year anniversary of 9-11 drawing near, citizens of the Appalachian community and the nation are unsure of what lies ahead. Should we prepare ourselves for more attacks? What will be the country’s next step in defending itself from further terrorist actions?
    One thing we can expect on this Sept. 11 is another show of unity as Appalachian will once again bond together in support and remembrance of the heroes and victims of 9-11. Appalachian State is planning several different observance opportunities for the Appalachian community, beginning tonight with the Faculty Music Recital, at 8 p.m. in the Rosen Concert Hall located in the Broyhill Music Center.
    On this one-year commemoration of 9-11, it is undoubtedly a time to look towards peace and continue to reach out in love to those who have suffered as a result of the events of 9-11.
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