Marcellette Williams - Chancellor
Remarks at Campus Vigil
September 11, 2001

Today is a day of deep, deep sadness…of profound human tragedy. There are no words to explain, no words to sooth, no words to comfort.

No words at all, especially for the individuals whose families are directly touched by this tragedy.

Here on campus, we have been informed that at least one of the members of our UMass family—an employee—was among those on one of the planes that flew from Boston. We grieve deeply for him, and our hearts go out to his family, his friends, and his colleagues.

Tonight as we gather together in this crisis, let us remember that the grief of any one of us is the collective grief of all of us. As we grieve together, so must we remember to come together in our healing.

We, members of the UMass family, come together at this time and in this place of reflection, and will come together again and again over the next several days to acknowledge all the feelings…all the pain…all the fears…all the confusion…all the anger…all the profound sadness…of all the members of the family.

By acknowledging together…by grieving together…may we find ways to heal together.