In line with many of its peer institutions, the University has chosen to take an intimate and personal approach to commemorating Sept. 11, 2003.
To mark the day that was so traumatic to so many, Penn is facilitating individual reflection on the events of Sept. 11, 2001 -- offering support where needed, but not organizing any formal events.
And psychology experts say the University's decision for a quiet commemoration makes sense.
"It's a way to normalize things -- it's a natural recovery," said Edna Foa, Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry professor and director of the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety. "It's a symbol of an attempt to recover, and I hope people will see it in that spirit."
This year's commemoration approach was decided upon by the same committee that opted for a campus-wide program last year.
"Everyone is taking the low-key approach this year," University Chaplain William Gipson said, referring also to other Ivy League schools, such as Harvard University. "You want to encourage small private moments of reflection."
Convinced of the necessity for some support, the University has decided to dedicate two spaces in Houston Hall to people in need of solace.
A television screen will air newscasts of Sept. 11 commemorations on the building's first floor. Houston Hall will also house a contemplative space, where people can take time to reflect in silence.
Sponsored by the Office of the Vice Provost and the Office of the Chaplain, the Muslim Student Association will be holding a discussion on the theme, "Muslim Perspectives: Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere," at 8 p.m. in the Terrace Room of Logan Hall. The two speakers will be Alexander Kronemer -- producer of the PBS documentary "Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet" -- and Altaf Husain, former president of the Muslim Student Association National of the United States and Canada.
Also, a blood drive will take place today on the court of the Palestra from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., sponsored by the Penn American Red Cross team.
"This is about reflection and memory, but also about service," University President Judith Rodin said, referring to the blood drive.
And lastly, according to Rodin and Gibson, churches near campus will have quiet hours and moments of reflection.
Last year, Penn organized an interfaith service at the Cathedral of St. Agatha and St. James, a collaborative art activity on College Green and a silent reflection in the Hall of Flags, while humanitarian groups like the Red Cross took over the second floor of Houston Hall.
"Students at Penn wanted to mark the date last year and do a lot of public formal events," Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum said. "But for some people these didn't give them a chance to work through their feelings."
She argued that this year's choice for intimacy "strikes a balance -- to give people who are still so full of grief time and space to be comforted."
Foa said that our society as a whole "might not recover -- it was such an unexpected event, and the threat of terrorism is ongoing."
However, in the case of individuals, Foa said that "many are healing," and that the University's approach was "a provision for people to ventilate."
"It is good that this year we offer help and support for people who are still suffering," she added.
Those in need of support can call the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety at 215-746-3327 or the Counseling and Psychological Services office at 215-898-7021.
