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The tragedy
of September 11th has left an enduring scar on the American
psyche. Americans across the nation are simultaneously outraged,
saddened, perplexed, and anxious. The students of Lincoln
College are no different; they are a microcosm of our country.
In the
immediate aftermath of the World Trade Center calamity, our
students were genuinely troubled. What had America-and we
as Americans-done to make others hate us so much? How could
so many innocents be slaughtered in the name of religion?
To help
understand and cope with the tragedy, our professor of history
and religious studies, John Welter, held an assembly for our
students. Several hundred attended this solemn event. There
are no readily apparent answers in the wake of September 11th,
but illumination and understanding are forming in the minds
of the Lincoln College student body. Many of our students
have begun to proudly display the American flag. Others have
come to understand that fanatics of any religion are not representative
of the mainstream, that the cause of Islam is not served by
those soaked in blood.
In the
face of September’s devastation, many of our students
have grown up. They now have a more serious purpose in their
studies and in their lives. After so much death, the affirmation
of life and purpose has shown forth brilliantly.
I like
to contrast those fanatics who live for destruction with those
special alumni and friends of Lincoln College who believe
in the future. This select group has committed itself to ensuring
that generations to follow will have an opportunity to learn
and grow at Lincoln College. What act could be more life affirming
than providing scholarships for deserving young students in
perpetuity?
Lincoln
College and our nation, really-owes a special debt of gratitude
to those generous souls who have recently endowed scholarships
at the College. These far-sighted and generous people have
shown a faith in future generations of students and a faith
in the power of education that far out shines the murderous
acts of venal individuals. Their belief in the future is unswerving
and constant.
I would
like, therefore, to specially thank those who have endowed
scholarships at Lincoln College during this past year. These
very special people are:
- Bernard
and Anna Behrends
- Shirley
Edwards
- Margaret
Faith
- Jeanne
Gallagher
- Roger
Garrett
- Mary
Gobel
- Jean
Gossett
- Jo
Means
- Scott
and Kay Steinfort
- Webster
Construction
We all
owe these generous people a sincere “thank you”
for their belief in education, young people, Lincoln College,
and the United States of America.
May Providence
bless us all in these trying times.
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