Rollins Remembers 9/11

Photo by Laura J. Cole.

Ten years have passed since the day that will be forever seared into our nation’s collective memory. In a series of events scheduled on and off campus, the Rollins community paid tribute to the nearly 3,000 lives that were lost on September 11, 2001, and demonstrated an enduring commitment to building a better world.

The College began by honoring the White House’s challenge to bring Americans together in the spirit of compassion, unity and service by participating in the National Weekend of Service and Remembrance.

“In conjunction with the mission for the national movement, Rollins and the Office of Community Engagement (OCE) hoped to inspire people to pay tribute on the anniversary of 9/11 by voluntarily pledging to perform good deeds, support charitable causes, volunteer and engage in other acts of compassion,” said Assistant Director of Community Engagement Meredith Hein. “Through service, we honored the 9/11 victims and survivors, as well as all those who rose in service in response to the attacks, including first responders, recovery workers, volunteers, public safety personnel, members of the military and all of their families.”
 
Two service opportunities were organized for Saturday, September 10:

Flag Project with Fern Creek Elementary School
Fern Creek, a Title I school, serves more than 350 students, 83 percent of whom are eligible for the free or reduced lunch program, 50 percent live in the Paramore area and 23 percent are homeless. Fern Creek has significantly less parental involvement creating a much greater need for support from the community. On Saturday, September 10, volunteers will honor the tradition and history of the Rollins/Fern Creek partnership by assisting the school with several projects. Activities will include setting and laying the brick foundation for the centralized school’s flag pole and minor beautification projects in its vicinity.


Bowling with the Paragon School
The Paragon School opened in August 2007 to meet the growing demand in Central Florida for specialized education programs to serve students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome. The school provides a program of academic instruction centered on social skills development, brain-based learning methods and Christian values education. On Saturday, September 10, volunteers will share in a new school tradition. Activities will include a brief welcome, history and tour of the school. Volunteers will then take part in an early afternoon of bowling with students from the Paragon School.

September 11 Memorial Events

Rollins paid tribute to September 11 during two campus events designed to give respectful remembrance to lives lost and to foster a sense of hope for the future. “From the darkness of that tragic event we long for the light of a better tomorrow,” said Dean of the Chapel Patrick Powers. “In a formal and sacred music tribute on Sunday, September 11 in the Chapel and in a more informal and prayerful salute on Monday, September 12, by the flag in front of the Warren Building, the Rollins community rendered its respects to those who perished 10 years ago and comfort and support those who survived.”

Wreath Laying Service Rollins hosted an official wreath laying service honoring those who lost their lives in the line of duty on September 11. At 10 a.m. on September 11, the Public Safety offices of the City of Winter Park along with the Winter Park Fire Department Honor Guard read the names of the NYFD members who lost their lives and placed a wreath at the Veteran’s Memorial flagpole near the Warren Administration Building. This unique 9/11 memorial is the only memorial to feature authentic touchstones from all three sites – the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the site in Shanksville, Penn. In addition to the three site pieces, the memorial features a set of bronze 9-11 commemorative coins and the engraved quotation from former President George W. Bush reading, “We will not waiver, we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail. Peace and freedom will prevail.” (Photo by Laura J. Cole)		National Requiem of Remembrance On Sunday, Rollins also hosted a 10th Anniversary concertin the Knowles Chapel. This memorial will featured members of the Rollins Concert Choir and Bach Festival Society who honored America while performing Mozart's Requiem. (Photo by David Noe)

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