This year marks the 10th anniversary of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and Ferris State University has planned
several events that include speakers, panel discussions and more as opportunities
to reflect upon and remember a national and international tragedy.
Richard Griffin, a professor of Political Science at Ferris and campus coordinator of both the American Democracy Project and Political Engagement Project, is leading the organization of a series of events that will take place throughout the 2011-12 academic year. The theme of Ferris’ yearlong commemoration is, “9/11 – 10 Years Later: What Have We Learned?”
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of that terrible day in September 2001 when, as country and western singer Alan Jackson puts it, ‘The world stood still,’” Griffin said. “Sept. 11, 2001 has become a very important date in our country and around the world. This year, we have organized activities on campus for people to become engaged and involved as we commemorate a tragic day in our nation’s history.”
The university’s Fall 2011 calendar of ADP/PEP commemorative events is set.
Sunday, Sept. 11, is being observed on campus as the now traditional “Patriot Day.” Beginning Sept. 11, and running through Sunday, Sept. 17, will be “Constitution Week.” Constitution Week is an observance of the adoption of the United States Constitution.
On Wednesday, Sept. 20, the highlighted event will be a campus visit from former U.S. Congressman Peter Hoekstra (R-Holland) who will speak from 7 to 9 p.m. in Williams Auditorium. Hoekstra served as the ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
Beginning in late October, and extending through early November, ADP/PEP has planned an “All-Campus Public Speaking Contest” as part of the commemoration of 9/11. The contest begins on Monday, Oct. 31.
“This event engages hundreds of students on a campus-wide basis as participants in an oratory competitive experience focusing upon a common theme,” Griffin said. “Since the contest is a major ADP/PEP event at Ferris, its theme for this academic year will also be ‘9/11 – 10 Years Later: What Have We Learned?’”
On Tuesday, Nov. 8, there will be another Election Day event with more details to come.
ADP/PEP organizers have a major event planned for Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
“In celebration of Veterans Day, we will conduct a campus-wide event celebrating the immeasurable sacrifices our veterans have made for our democracy and society,” Griffin said. “In the past, ADP/PEP has conducted panel discussions with students, faculty and staff who are veterans.”