Owens Students Observe 9/11 Tragedy With Community Events
PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College’s Student Government is inviting their fellow students and employees, as well as area residents, to join them on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses and pay tribute to those victims and heroes that lost their lives in the Sept. 11 tragedy 10 years ago by participating in a series of free community events on Thursday, Sept. 8.
All activities will take place on the College’s Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. The Owens Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township, while the Findlay-area Campus is located on Bright Road in Findlay. Owens Sept. 11 events and activities are free and open to the public.
“Ten years ago, thousands of individuals lost their lives in a terrorist attack on American soil, which forever changed this country,” said John Byers, Owens Director of Student Involvement. “Owens Community College is proud to remember and honor those individuals and the heroic efforts of many others who risk their lives to ensure our county’s safety.”
Owens Manager of Student Activities and Conduct James Katzner added, “Sept. 11 has become a day engrained into the memory of America and its citizens. Most of us can remember where we were and what we were doing when we heard about or saw the tragic events as they played out across the country. These community events are intended to pay tribute to those victims and heroes who died as a result of the terrorist attacks.”
Beginning at 9 a.m. on Toledo-area Campus, individuals will have the opportunity to view a memorial display in the College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts Rotunda commemorating the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
The memorial display will include an elaborate floral arrangement as well as newspaper clippings and photos from the tragic event. In an effort to fully honor and remember every victim of that day, a complete name listing of those that perished will be on display. Visitors will also have the chance to leave their own inspirational message and pick up a carnation to present at the memorial as part of an interactive exhibit titled “Where Were You”. Owens’ memorial display activities will conclude at 5 p.m.
Individuals will also have the chance to view the film “102 Minutes That Changed America” in the College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre. The 102-minute documentary film depicts in virtually real time the New York-based events of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks primarily using raw video footage from mostly amateur citizen journalists. Produced by History (channel), the documentary premiered in 2008. “102 Minutes That Changed America” will air continuously from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on the Toledo-area Campus.
In addition, Myrta Gschaar of Maumee, who lost her husband, Robert, as a result of the terrorist attacks on the second tower at the World Trade Center in New York City, has graciously loaned an array of artifacts from Sept. 11, including a piece of steel from the World Trade Center site that an artist masterfully handcrafted and sent to each victim’s family. The artifacts will be on display throughout the event.
Attendees will also have the opportunity throughout the day to participate in a multi-sensory art exhibit titled “aWAReness” on the Toledo-area Campus. The exhibit, presented by Owens Adjunct Instructor of Fine and Performing Arts Bianca Marcia Naves, will provide individuals with the chance to experience war from a sight, smell, sound and touch perspective. Visitors will be able to touch and smell an array of military items, as well as hear and see recorded accounts from various U.S. soldiers and marines about what life is like within a war zone.
Starting at 9 a.m. on the Findlay-area Campus, individuals can participate in an interactive memorial display in the Commons area. In addition to viewing photographs, artwork and other personal mementos, participants will be able to leave their own inspirational message at the “Where Were You” portion of the display.
Additionally, Owens Director of Public and Chief of Police John Betori will share his own experience related to participating in the rescue efforts in days following the attacks on the World Trade Center complex as part of a lecture presentation at 1 p.m. on the Findlay-area Campus. The presentation will take place in the Conference Center Room 111.
For more information about the Sept. 11 activities, call (567) 661-7583 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7583, or (567) 429-3029 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3029.
Press Release Contact Name: Brad Meyer
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Organization Name: Owens Community College