Penn community gathers as tragedy unfolds

In Houston Hall, people sat stunned in front of the TV, their eyes glazed over. When a moment of silence was announced, all bowed their heads. Some got up and helped themselves to food arranged on a nearby tables; others discussed what is going on among themselves.

It doesn't matter that these people are strangers -- in fact, the randomness of this grouping is comforting for many. These University students, staff and faculty have recognized the importance of togetherness and community during this time of unrest.

Houston Hall is only one of the places where unity among students can be found. Yesterday afternoon, students gathered in a prayer circle to provide support to each other; last night, an all-denominational vigil was held to bring more people together.

"There's been a lot of feeling that people are reaching out to each other," Associate Vice Provost for University Life Juana Lewis said. "We've seen a lot of unity and good will today."

Among the places where people are uniting to make sense of the nation-wide tragedy that has unfolded, Houston Hall seems to be the hub.

As part of the Vice Provost for University Life Office's efforts to offer support in wake of the attacks that occurred New York and Washington, it has become an information and counseling center for members of the Penn community.

"There's a lot of sadness and anxiety among students," said Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum, the Vice Provost of University Life. "As we move through the next hours, we'll be there to comfort them."

Throughout the day, many students stopped by Houston Hall, whether to be updated on groundbreaking news or to use one of the telephones. Some just came to unite with others and to find community.

"I like to come to a place where there are a lot of people," said Andrew Pike, a College sophomore. "The atmosphere is a lot better than sitting alone in your room watching TV."

Between the three televisions set up in different rooms to broadcast updates from major news services, a phone bank providing access to ground lines and an increased number of e-mail terminals, Houston Hall has been transformed. It is no longer the traditional student center where people go to eat lunch and gossip about classes -- rather, it has become a resource center, providing numerous services to the Penn community during a time of crisis.

"It's great how Penn is being so accommodating to promote unity in such a tough time for everybody," Pike said.

In addition to facilitating communication with the outer world, a number of volunteers -- ranging from students on the Reach-a-Peer Hotline to the Penn Women's Center staff -- have formed a crisis team to offer ongoing support to students in need.

Headed by Ilene Rosenstein, the director of Counseling and Psychological Services, these workers will be available around the clock to offer assistance to students in need.

"Obviously, when a tragedy like this happens, it's hard for people to comprehend," said Rosenstein. "Our main goal is to help people make sense of something that doesn't make sense."

Rosenstein explained the importance of psychological counseling during this period of time for everybody -- and not just for people immediately affected by the tragedy.

"We want to make people feel secure in their environment," Rosenstein said. "When something like this happens, the world seems off -- we want people to be able to move on and function."

Around campus, students could be found reaching out to their peers.

On College Green, about 80 students came together to form a prayer circle. Composed mostly of Christian Fellowship groups, this congregation was another unifying factor in the Penn community.

"At first we were going to get together in someone's room, and then the others found out," College sophomore David Sun said. Ultimately, "we decided to gather on College Green."

Other students expressed a strong desire to offer their help by donating blood, organizing group activities or by simply just being there to listen to other peoples' stories.

"The most important thing to do right now is to help others," said Tony Otero, a College sophomore. "That's all that we can do."

As the day turned to evening and the evening to night, the various staff and faculty working at Houston Hall showed no sign of letting up. Many people are planning on spending the whole night there.

"We plan to be here for as long as it's necessary," said Rosenstein. "The important thing is that all of us need to care about each other."

Added Elena DiLapi, director of the Penn's Women's Center: "Not one person is unaffected."

"I am really heartened by the ways that I've seen students come out and support each other. One of the things that Penn does well is to respond when there is a crisis."

Daily Pennsylvanian columnist Eric Dash contributed to this story.

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