VCU commemorates 10th anniversary of 9/11

At Virginia Commonwealth University, we commemorate the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, by joining Americans across the country in the National Day of Service and Remembrance. On this day of commemoration, and through events and activities held throughout the month of September, we pay tribute to the victims and heroes of 9/11, and demonstrate our dedication to rekindle the spirit of unity and compassion that swept our nation following the attacks.

As a community and as individuals, we will remember. We will serve. We will move forward.

Events

Tuesday, Sept. 6, through Friday, Sept. 23

9/11 Commemoration

Location: James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave.
Sponsor: VCU Libraries and Friends of the Library

VCU Libraries and Friends of the Library present a program of commemorative installations and exhibits that offer opportunities for the community to reflect on 9/11 and its aftermath. An opening reception on Friday, Sept. 9, from 4-6 p.m. begins with remarks from contributors. This program, including the opening talk and reception, is free and open to the public. Guests attending the opening reception are asked to register.

The program includes the following exhibits, which explore Sept. 11, 2001, before and after:

  • World Trade Center Recordings: Winds After Hurricane Floyd
  • Construction Prints of the World Trade Center, 1967-1973
  • Commemoration of the Tenth Anniversary of 9/11
  • Wall of Memories

Saturday, Sept. 10

Into the Streets Service Plunge

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Throughout Richmond
Sponsor: University Student Commons and Activities

Into the Streets Service Plunge is a morning of community service in which seven teams of VCU students will work on behalf of seven different nonprofit agencies. Times vary depending on the project, but each lasts about three to four hours between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Projects include restoring historic Evergreen Cemetery; working at Bandit’s Adoption and Rescue of K-9s (BARK) no-kill animal shelter; working with the Children’s Museum of Richmond to prepare for the children’s area at the Richmond Folk Festival; distributing information to the families of school-age children in the Choice Campaign for Richmond Public Schools; and landscaping Bryan Park. A free continental breakfast will be provided. For more information contact Beth Ward at (804) 828-3648 or bhward@vcu.edu.

Sunday, Sept. 11

“I Will” tribute

4 p.m.

Location: University Student Commons
Sponsor: Monroe Park Campus Student Government Association, a coalition of student organizations, University Student Commons and Activities and the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services

In cooperation with the efforts of 911day.org, SGA officers and student organization representatives offer tributes and lead the community in covering the windows of the University Student Commons with the pledge “I Will.” The tribute is open to students, faculty, staff and members of the Richmond community.

Anyone who wishes may make a pledge of service on a sticky note provided by the SGA. These pledges will “stick” to the windows inside the Commons to create a massive tribute wall through Wednesday, Sept. 14, when they will be removed and transcribed by VCU students. The original notes will be archived and all the pledges will be sent to 911day.org.

For more information, contact Miracle Allums at (804) 828-7551 or allumslm@vcu.edu or Timothy A. Reed, Ph.D., at (804) 828-6500 or tareed@vcu.edu. 

Tuesday, Sept. 13

“Objects and Memory”

4 p.m.

Location: VCU Commons Theater
Sponsor: The Honors College, the College of Humanities and Sciences and the Department of History

The PBS documentary “Objects and Memory,” 2010 Award of Merit winner from the American Association for State and Local History, shares the stories of those driven to collect and preserve transformed objects in the aftermath of 9/11, the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and the Vietnam War. The film is free and open to the public. For more information, contact John Kneebone at (804) 828-9706 or jtkneebone@vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Sept. 13

The Impact of the Sept. 11 Attacks on Homeland Security and National Security Policy: Ten Years After

7 to 9 p.m.

Location: University Student Commons Theater
Sponsor: VCU’s Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness program

VCU’s Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness program in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs is sponsoring a roundtable to discuss the Sept. 11 attacks and examine how the attacks have influenced government policy. VCU faculty members John Aughenbaugh, Gurpreet Dhillon, Ph.D., Jim Keck, Jason Levy, Ph.D., Bill Newmann, Ph.D., and William Parrish will participate. For more information, contact Bill Newmann at (804) 828-8038 or wnewmann@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Sept. 14

Reflections on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11

Noon to 1 p.m.

Location: University Student Commons, Suite 215
Sponsor: Office of Multicultural Student Affairs

The informal setting of this event, part of OMSA’s Brown Bag Luncheon Series, encourages open dialogue on the impact of Sept. 11 on the U.S. and the world. Conversations center on how our society can move past the pain of such an experience to create an inclusive and welcoming environment; the impact of governmental legislation efforts such as the Homeland Security Act and the Patriot Act; and the cultural implications on individual and group identity perceptions. Light refreshments will be served, but please feel free to bring your own lunch. For more information, contact the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs at (804) 828-6672 or omsa@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Sept. 15

“Objects and Memory” discussion with producer Jonathan Fein

4 p.m.

Location: VCU Commons Theater
Sponsor: The Honors College, the College of Humanities and Sciences and the Department of History

Film producer Jonathan Fein will discuss his documentary “Objects and Memory,” raising questions about fundamental human responses and exploring how otherwise ordinary things become transformed into precious conveyers of experience, emotion and identity. A reception follows. For more information, contact John Kneebone at (804) 828-9706 or jtkneebone@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Sept. 22

“Muslims for Life” blood drive

10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Location: Larrick Student Center’s Court End Ballroom (MCV Campus)
Sponsor: Ahmadiyya Muslim Students Association

VCU’s AMSA chapter is sponsoring a blood drive as part of a national monthlong campaign by Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA to collect blood in commemoration of the victims of 9/11. The campaign, known as “Muslims for Life,” reiterates the message that Islam values the sanctity of life and that the actions of terrorists do not represent Islam or Muslims. For further information about this blood drive, contact Ahmad Tariq at (703) 286-9962 or tariqna@vcu.edu.