Wed Sep 11 17:15:43 UTC 2024: ## Douglass College Dean Remembers 9/11 and its Impact on the Community
Morristown, NJ – In a poignant reflection on the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Douglass College Dean Linda Stamato shared her personal experience of the tragedy and its profound impact on the campus community.
The attacks occurred just as the new academic year began, leaving students, faculty, and staff reeling in shock, disbelief, and fear. The uncertainty surrounding the safety of loved ones working or living in the vicinity of the World Trade Center created a palpable sense of anxiety. Stamato recalled the heartbreaking news of a student whose mother was a flight attendant on the United Airlines plane that crashed in Pennsylvania, and the relief when interns, who had delayed their arrival at the World Trade Center, were confirmed safe.
In the face of such tragedy, the Douglass College community came together, finding solace and strength in their shared experience. The dean’s house became a sanctuary for students seeking comfort and connection, while the university’s first-year course, “Shaping A Life,” took on a new significance.
The sense of unity extended beyond the campus, as Stamato witnessed the outpouring of support for the local Afghan restaurant in Morristown. Despite the potential for prejudice and harassment following the attacks, the community rallied around the restaurant owners, demonstrating their solidarity and empathy.
This experience, Stamato writes, reaffirms her belief in the power of community resilience. The events of 9/11, she argues, serve as a reminder that despite the forces that seek to divide us, unity and compassion can prevail.
Stamato’s powerful reflection serves as a timely reminder of the enduring impact of 9/11, urging us to reflect on the strength and unity that emerged in its aftermath and the importance of maintaining that spirit in the face of contemporary challenges.
First Piper 