A Message From President Cantwell on Sept. 11

Editor's note: President Elizabeth Cantwell sent this message to Utah State University faculty, staff and students on Sept. 11, 2023.

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,

The events of Sept. 11, 2001, changed my life forever. As we reflect on the enduring importance of this day, I encourage you all to focus on our resilience as a nation and your resilience as a resident or citizen of this country.

On the morning of Sept. 11, I awoke unusually early before my spouse and my family. I turned on the early morning news. As the second plane was shown on TV hitting the World Trade Center building, I ran and awoke my husband, telling him, “Wake up, we are under attack and the world is changing.” I worked at a national laboratory, and while I had been planning to take my newly minted MBA out into creating a startup, I knew that would no longer be my path. I knew — in that few minutes after witnessing the attacks — that my world would never be the same.?

It wasn’t. I spent many more years in national security, and when I moved into higher education it was because I could see how very important it was for me to serve the mission of bringing people together for learning and understanding. What was witnessed in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks — where we saw incredible heroism and unity, where we saw responders rushing into danger, ordinary citizens becoming unsung heroes, and the nation coming together in a show of unwavering solidarity — must continue to remind us of the strength that can be found in our shared humanity and responsibility to each other.

As we look back on Sept. 11, 2001, do not forget the enduring importance of coming together. It is in our unity, resilience, and the pursuit of a better tomorrow that we truly honor the memory of that tragic day in 2001. I hope we all move forward in that spirit and work toward a better tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Cantwell

President