Andrews University invites the community to join them in remembering the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks with a weeklong series of events, “Memories of Sacrifice, Reasons for Hope,” Sept. 4–11. All events are free and open to the public.
“We’ve designed the events of this week to inspire faith and hope in God and community, to help us understand ourselves and others through reflection and dialogue, and to remember the lives lost 10 years ago,” said Rebecca May, chairwoman of the planning committee.
Events include lectures, panel discussions, a gallery show, as well as prayer services Wednesday evening and Sunday morning. The events culminate Sunday evening, Sept. 11, with a concert of inspiring music by University performance ensembles with special guest U.S. Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan’s 6th District. A highlight will be Tuesday morning’s presentation by Stanley Praimnath, who was on the 81st floor of the world Trade Center, Tower 2, Sept. 11, 2011 when he saw a plane heading toward him.
The weeklong series of events begins on Sunday, Sept. 4, with an art gallery exhibit titled “Memories of Sacrifice, Reasons for Hope: Post 9-11 Reflections.” This exhibit runs Sunday, Sept. 4 through Sunday, Sept. 11 in the Smith Hall Art Gallery, from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays, Sept. 4 and 11 and Monday, Sept. 5 and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 6-9. An artists’ reception is planned for Thursday, Sept. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. On display will be the artwork of Andrews’ artists Dave Sherwin, Greg Constantine, Brian Manley and regional artist Vicki VanAmeyden.
The theological and historical questions arising out of 9-11, including issues of national judgment, fulfilled prophecy, eschatology and impact on Christian missions, will be explored in a panel discussion called “Theological Perspectives on 9-11” in the Seminary Chapel on Tuesday, Sept. 6. Taking place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., the panel discussion, consisting of Seminary professors Trevor O’Reggio, Martin Hanna, Katrina Blue, Teresa Reeve and Nicholas Miller, will allow the public to consider questions they may have regarding the tragedy of 9-11.
Also scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 11:30 a.m. is University Forum in the Howard Performing Arts Center. Stanley Praimnath, a survivor of 9-11 who was on the 81st floor of the World Trade Center, Tower 2, and saw the plane heading toward him, will give his testimony entitled, “Faith When the World is Changing.” describing how the experience has influenced and strengthened his faith in the God whospared his life. This event is sponsored by the Division of Student Life. Later that same day, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Howard Performing Arts Center, Part II: Interactive Session with Stanley Praimnath, will be sponsored by the School of Graduate Studies & Research.
Dwight K. Nelson, senior pastor of Pioneer Memorial Church, will be accompanied by a special guest, Imam Mustapha Elturk of the Islamic Organization of North America (IONA) on Wednesday, Sept. 7. The public is invited to join them from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Pioneer Memorial Church to experience the dialogue and prayer services included in this special Interfaith Prayer Service.
Thursday, Sept. 8, begins with another University Forum, “Building Hope,” at 11:30 a.m. in the Howard Performing Arts Center. Imam Mustapha Elturk, of the Islamic Organization of North America, will be giving a post-9-11 conversation. In the evening, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Bridgebuilding Lectures will be held in the Smith Hall Lecture Room. Brian Manley will present “The Art of Peacemaking” and Kristen Witzel will present “Hospitality and Resilience.” Following these lectures, from 6 to 8 p.m., will be an Artists’ Reception at the Art & Design Gallery in Smith Hall. The exhibit, “Memories of Sacrifice, Reasons for Hope: Post 9/11 Reflections,” will be on display from Sept. 4-11.
A Department of History & Political Sciences colloquium will be held Friday, Sept. 9 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. This faculty panel discussion, “Terror: Experiences, Perspectives and Judgments,” will take place in Room 135 of Buller Hall. The public is welcome to join this presentation to better understand the effects of 9-11 and open their minds to acknowledging differing perspectives.
On Sunday, Sept. 11, there will be a gathering at the U.S. flagpole on the University Green at 8:30 a.m. Join the nation in prayer and a moment of silence and receive a small U.S. flag. Together we will walk to the University entrance where we will plant our flags. At 8:46 a.m., the time when the first plane crashed into the World Trade Center, there will be a Moment of Silence remembering all those who were lost on 9-11. The week of events will conclude with the “Remembering 9-11 Commemorative Concert,” an emphasis of hope and patriotism through music and readings, at the Howard Performing Arts Center. This fitting concert will be performed by Andrews University choral ensembles, the Symphony Orchestra and the Wind Symphony. Special guests include Upton; Milt Richter, Berrien Springs Village president; Niels-Erik Andreasen, president of Andrews University; and Dwight K. Nelson, senior pastor of Pioneer Memorial Church.