Tears,
Prayer, Song, and Hope
By Greta Petry
“We can, together, persevere through
this terrible time. Love will triumph over hatred and ignorance.”
President Karen R. Hitchcock
Tears, prayer, song, and hope marked a memorial service held at the Recreation and Convocation Center on September 21.
Representatives of the Jewish, Catholic, Muslim, Protestant, and Hindu faiths gave readings and prayers, as the University community met to honor the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Imam Djafar Sebkhaoui of Masjid al-Hidaya mosque said that friends from many religions in the Capital Region have reached out to the Muslim community, and do not associate those who are Muslim with those who are guilty. He said that more than 1,000 Muslims are missing and presumed dead in the tragedies.
In a darkened RACC, the ROTC Color Guard carried the American flag and led the procession to the stage. Some fought back tears as the Albany Police Pipe Band played “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes. A member of Albany Pro Musica wiped tears away after singing a powerful rendition of “America the Beautiful.”
University President Karen R. Hitchcock said: “The cruel tragedy we all share, though now some ten days in our collective past, remains as vivid and horrifying as it was during the morning hours of September 11. It will remain in our minds and hearts for the rest of our lives . . . seared into our consciousness by the enormity of human anguish.”
The citizens of more than 80 countries were lost on September 11.
“And even as our brothers and sisters across the globe suffer their own painful losses, they have reached out to us here at the University at Albany,” the president said. “We have heard from the Chancellor of Moscow State University and the Rector of the Universidad Del Salvador in Buenos Aires, from colleagues in Israel, India, China, England, Saudi Arabia, France, and on and on. Their message? ‘We are grieving and mourning with you.’ "
Hitchcock said the tragedy has hit home at the University at Albany as well. “Our students, faculty, staff, and alumni have lost mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and beloved friends . . . We have lost women and men who graduated from our University, and who greatly enriched their alma mater by their presence. Some were firefighters, others I am certain displayed acts of quiet courage we will never know. All were innocent people whose loss affects us deeply.”
The president said the University is united in its compassion and prayers for those who lost loved ones, and in its commitment to the democratic ideals of freedom and the value of human life.
“As painful as it is to do so, we must commit to memory these tragic events in honor of those who have suffered . . . those who have been lost. And commit ourselves to our belief in the rights of people everywhere to life and to freedom . . . to our abhorrence of hatred, violence, bigotry, and the ignorance that breeds these evils.”
Hitchcock said the University community is united by common values that include the belief that knowledge can triumph over cruelty and violence; the affirmation of the sanctity of each human life; and the belief that differences can be bridged with compassion and mutual understanding. “Now, more than ever before, we must, together, speak out and must stand up for these beliefs,” she said.
The president said the past several days have been marked by selfless “acts of courage and compassion” in the University community. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community neighbors have donated blood, medical supplies and money for the victims, joined the rescue efforts in New York City, and provided trauma and grief counseling. “I am so very proud to be a part of such a loving community,” she said.
The president added: “We can, together, persevere through this terrible time. Love will triumph over hatred and ignorance. We know this in our hearts. Yes, this is the memorial we can build together to honor those we have lost . . . those who will always be in our hearts and in our prayers.”
Bishop Howard Hubbard of the Albany diocese had just come from the funeral of John A. Reo, 28, an Albany alumnus who worked for the Cantor Fitzgerald brokerage firm. Reo and his brother-in-law lost their lives in the World Trade Center collapse. In addition to Reo and other alumni, Hubbard said the father of one UAlbany student died; three more fathers are missing; two uncles, one aunt, the relative of a staff member died at the Pentagon; and another staff member’s firefighter brother is missing.
And yet, in the midst of all this suffering, Hubbard said it must be remembered that “ours is not an age of terror but of liberty that seeks justice, not vengeance.” Noting there have been hundreds of incidents of violence, ethnic slurs, and threats against Muslims in the U.S., he prayed for the safety of “our Arab-American and Muslim brothers and sisters.”
As horrifying as the events of recent days have been, Hubbard said they nevertheless bring into focus what is really important, including trust in God’s providence, the sanctity of human life, and the dignity of every human being. Out of the attacks have come the heroic actions of the firefighters; acts of kindness shown to strangers; and an outpouring of love, support, generosity and prayers.
“God never abandons us,” he said, adding that faith offers hope, healing and consolation in an age of “shallow and superficial concerns.”
Hubbard said trusting in God’s providence is needed as we realize stopping terrorism is not a “romp or few days of intensive work,” but will take months and years.
And a historical perspective is needed to remind us that others have successfully faced grave challenges before.
Saying that we need to “trust God in adversity,” Hubbard used the example of the actor Michael J. Fox, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease and who recently told an interviewer, “I’ve never been happier in my life.”
Prior to his disease, Fox’s biggest problem was finding a parking spot for his Porsche. But now he is focused on helping others who have the debilitating disease.
“God did not cause the disease, but God empowers the walk,” Hubbard said. He also quoted Judy Shepard, the mother of slain gay college student Matthew Shepard, who told a UAlbany audience last year that hatred is a learned behavior, and the only hope for the world is to unlearn this behavior.
Hubbard said we can’t let terrorism take away our humor, which lends a sense of proportion to incongruity. Retaining an ability to laugh at ourselves helps us avoid anxiety.
Finally, he said that hope continues. While there is no question we are facing a crisis, the dictionary defines crisis as “a turning point.” While some are discouraged, the crisis of September 11 gives us an opportunity to do better, to live in greater understanding among diverse cultures so that “we can truly renew the face of the earth. My hope is that we fulfill this challenge to honor the glory of God,” Hubbard concluded.
We thought that they were gone—
we rarely saw them on our screens—
those everyday Americans with workaday routines,
and the heroes standing ready—
not glamorous enough—
on days without a tragedy,
we clicked—and turned them off..
We only saw the cynics—
the dropouts, show-offs, snobs—
the right- and left-wing critics:
we saw that they were us.
But with the wounds of Tuesday
when the smoke began to clear,
we rubbed away our stony gaze—
and watched them reappear:
the waitress in the tower,
the broker reading mail,
the pair of window washers filling up a final pail,
the husband’s last “I love you”
from the last seat of a plane,
the tourist taking in a view no one would see again,
the fireman, his eyes ablaze as he climbed the swaying stairs—
he knew someone might still be saved.
We wondered who it was.
We glimpsed them through the rubble:
the ones who lost their lives,
the heroes’ double burials
, the ones now “left behind,”
the ones who rolled a sleeve
up,
the ones in scrubs and masks,
the ones who lifted buckets,
filled with stone and grief and ash:
some spoke a different language—
still no one missed a phrase;
the soot had softened every face of every shade and age—
“the greatest generation”?—
we wondered where they’d gone—
they hadn’t left directions how to find our nation-home:
for thirty years we saw few signs,
but now in swirls of dust,
they were alive—they had survived—
we saw that they were us.
Joan Murray, Poet-in-Residence, Poem about the World Trade Center Tragedy.
First aired on NPR Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2001.
Professor Emerita Mary Geraldine Goggin of Southington, Conn., formerly of Albany, N.Y., died September 6 at Miller Memorial in Meriden, Conn. She was 93. Goggin served as chair of the University at Albany’s Ancient Languages and Literatures Department from 1962-72. During this time she developed a Ph.D. program, expanded the faculty, and encouraged studies in classical archaeology.
A well-respected professor, Goggin began teaching at the University in 1938 and maintained contact with a great number of her students since retiring in 1978.
Born in Marlboro, Mass., Goggin attended the Girls Latin School of Boston, where she majored in Greek and Latin and graduated in 1926. She did her undergraduate work at Barnard College, graduating with special honors in Classics in 1930. She found attending college in New York City an excellent cultural opportunity, and enjoyed the easy access to concerts, plays, and art exhibits.
After graduation, Goggin was awarded a fellowship for a year’s study abroad. She chose to study in Greece, and attended the American School of Classical Studies in Athens. On her return to the U.S., she was an instructor in the classics at St. Mary’s College, Leavenworth, Kansas, and later taught high school in Hartford, Conn.
In 1940 she earned a Ph.D. from Yale University. At the University at Albany, she was a professor of the classics (Greek and Latin) and enjoyed an exemplary career in education that lasted four decades.
Virgil B. Zimmermann, 86, professor emeritus of public administration at Rockefeller College (formerly the Graduate School of Public Affairs), died August 20 at his home in Voorheesville, N.Y. A graduate of the University of South Dakota, he did graduate work and taught at the University of Nebraska, University of West Virginia, Yale University, and DePauw University. At Yale he was a Cowles Fellow in Government (1940-42). He joined the University at Albany faculty in 1964, retiring in 1981, but remaining active in the College. A memorial service was held September 15 at the First United Methodist Church of Voorheesville.
Zimmermann participated actively in the development of a Master of Arts Program and Doctor of Philosophy Program in political science and political economy. He played a major role in the design and development of the Master of Public Administration program and the Doctor of Public Administration program. His specialty was public personnel administration, but his experience allowed him to offer a variety of seminars in the field of public administration.
He was highly respected by his students, many of whom hold high positions today in state and local governments, and colleagues who frequently sought his advice. Zimmermann will be missed by his colleagues, former students, and many friends.
UAlbany
Alumni Check In, Share Their Empathy, on Alumni Web Site
By Greta Petry
In the wake of the September 11 tragedies, University at Albany alumni
across the nation have been checking in at a special Web site to track
the welfare of fellow classmates, to share eyewitness accounts of the
attacks, and to let the Alumni Relations Office know they are “alive and
well,” as so many of them put it.
Called the Alumni Crisis Information Center, the Web site is located at http://www.albany.edu/alumni/crisis.html. By sending one’s full name, maiden name, class year, and address, UAlbany alumni can also register their comments on what has been called the worst tragedy in American history.
At least one comment came from overseas. Catherine Bertini ’71, executive director of the World Food Programme, based in Rome, Italy, wrote to say she was in the Dominican Republic at the time of the attack.
Many alumni reported they were uncomfortably close to the World Trade Center. Philip D. Hauser ’78 wrote, “I work five blocks away from the World Trade Center with a perfect view of the south tower. I feared for my life as the building became surrounded by the black cloud of debris as the towers fell. Physically I am OK, but I feel forever changed.”
Lucy (Moore) Johanson ’86, wrote, “I am fine; my husband who worked in 7 WTC is also fine.”
From Eddie Bodre ’90, “I was close by at the time, I’m OK.”
From Steven Guttman ’97, “I witnessed the horror firsthand. I was close to being injured, possibly killed. Fortunately, everyone I know is safe.”
To date, UAlbany alumni John A. Reo, who earned a bachelor’s degree in economics in 2000; Stephen Mulderry ’90, co-captain of the basketball team; Shawn Bowman ’94, ’96; and Clyde Frasier ’88 are reported missing in the World Trade Center collapse. USA Today reported that Taimour Khan ’94, is missing as well. Mulderry was vice president of equity trading for Keefe, Bruyette & Woods on the 89th floor of the World Trade Center. A memorial service was held for him September 22 in Albany.
Many UAlbany alumni reported having a close call.
Michael Lettera ’92, ’94 wrote, “I’m OK. I worked on the 28th floor of 1 WTC, but I was lucky to make it out fast and safe.”
Dan Miller ’99 wrote, “I worked on the 77th floor of the World Trade Center; I was on my way to work when I saw the second plane hit. I was able to get away without any injuries.”
Marco Haber ’95 worked on the 97th floor of the World Trade Center. He went to work late because he went out to eat with a friend.
Peter McDaniel ’97 wrote that he is “alive and well.” McDaniel works for “LaBranche, right on the floor of the Stock Exchange. [I] narrowly avoided a disastrous end, but lost some co-workers.”
Some UAlbany alumni saw the planes hit the World Trade Center from their rooftops in Manhattan, one from across the river in Hoboken, and one saw the flaming towers from her office in Staten Island. Others work two blocks away, five blocks away, or a mile away from the WTC, but all were deeply affected by the tragedy.
Louise (Rigano) Rachal ’78 of New Rochelle, was thankful to be home with her child. “I previously worked on the 49th floor of WTC2. Thankfully, I am now home full time with my 16-month-old son. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the families touched by this tragedy.”
Eric Walton ’78 works on 27th Street in Manhattan. “I was on a plane on September 11 bound for Los Angeles, but according to the grace of God my place was spared . . . I will go to the WTC to pray with the families who lost loved ones. God Bless America.”
Others helped treat the victims.
David L. Sloane ’81 of Hartsdale, wrote, “As a volunteer EMT I worked at both Bellevue Hospital and the Broadway Traige/Trauma Center on Tuesday, Sept. 11.”
Others are volunteering in other ways. Nikki Hirsch ’87 wrote, “I work on Canal Street and have seen the devastation. Doing as much as I can to volunteer. The city remains strong with the most unbelievable wills. Hope all is well with the class.”
Noreen Owens ’94 lives four blocks away, but was at work when it happened. “My thoughts and prayers go out to those affected, especially the NYFD. My neighborhood lost our whole fire house that morning.”
Steven G. Lercari ’01 wrote, “I am a firefighter with Rescue Company No. 1 of the Oceanside Fire Department. I returned early on Friday, Sept. 14, after being called to duty on Tuesday, Sept. 11. I am all right.”
Bernard T. DoMinh ’87 of Washington, D.C., noted, “I work within two miles of the Pentagon and use the subway station at the Pentagon on a daily basis. I escaped being hurt by 50 minutes. I am alive and well.”
Alumni checked in from Georgia, California, and Israel. Laura (Katz) Novich ’91 wrote, “I live in Israel. I have survived many terrorist attacks.”
Those who live many miles away from the sites of the attacks nevertheless expressed shock and overwhelming sadness at the atrocity. Many sent prayers for the victims and their families, or just expressed their dismay.
“I am forever transformed down to the very core of my soul by this heinous attack on our country. My heart goes out to the victims, and the unfathomable number of deaths,” wrote Debi (Hirsch) Boyer ’86 of Rochester.
Some, like Larry Kravitz ’94, ’95, reported that several of his friends were all OK. “Ted Hotaling, Paul Fitzpatrick, Dan Keegan, Brian Woods, Bob Connolly, Craig Sprosts, Tom Breen and Andrew Nappi are okay, our prayers go out to the entire Albany community.”
And others, like David J. Gravalese ’99, were glad the University cares. “Hello, thank you for the concern. I am very much OK. I feel thankful for having a network such as Albany that cares and takes time out to do something like this.”
Cohen Wins
Publication Award
Sarah Cohen, a professor in
the art department, has been honored as a recipient of the Outstanding
Publication Award for 2001 from the Congress on Research in Dance. Her
book Art, Dance and Body in French Culture of the Ancient Regime “recognizes
dance and other forms of physical enactment as a central element of cultural
expression.”
Empire Commons: Foundations for the first Empire Commons buildings have been laid, and construction is to begin soon. By Homecoming Weekend (October 19-21), noticeable portions of the first buildings are expected to be up. The first buildings are expected to be completed by September 2002. The University at Albany has erected a sign on the corner of Washington and Fuller Roads letting the public know of the new housing project.
Commissary Move: Fuller Road will see another change in the next month. The University Grounds Building is slated to be demolished later this fall. The plant department is busy moving items currently stored in this building to the warehouse building. This change in landscape will eliminate an outdated and costly building, and help to improve the looks of the entrance to CESTM on the western portion of campus.
New Life Sciences: Although the cornerstone-laying event did not take place for the new Life Sciences building earlier this month, the construction continues. The steel beams are topping the upper level of the building, and sub-flooring is in place on all levels. The shell frame of the building is shaping the boundaries of this project. It will be one of the largest buildings on campus.
A letter to the editor written by a UAlbany student appeared in the September 20 edition of USA Today. Faisal S. Ahmad, vice president of UAlbany’s Muslim Students’ Association, wrote about American Muslims and the hate crimes against them throughout the nation in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11. The letter also discussed the prayer vigil held on campus the night of the attacks. Also in USA Today that day was an article listing those lost or missing in the attacks, one of whom is Taimour Khan, a 1994 graduate of the University. He was a commodity futures trader for Carr Futures.
New York State Writers Institute Poet-in-Residence Joan Murray was on National Public Radio on September 19. She read her poem about working people everywhere whose lives were changed last week, titled “Survivors-Found.”
On the August 17 broadcast of The News Hour With Jim Lehrer, the research of UAlbany sociologist John Logan was discussed. Gwen Ifill, moderator and managing editor of Washington Week, mentioned his work in a program titled “Political Wrap: Growing Apart.”
President Karen R. Hitchcock will be on WMHT-TV’s “Town Meeting of the Air -- From Here, Where?” on Friday, Sept. 28, from 8 to 10 p.m.
