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Stephanie Williams
Issue date: 9/15/06 Section: Campus News
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As people across the country Monday rekindled the events and the aftermath, students here at the University of Louisiana at Monroe were given the opportunity to listen, learn and speak out about the events of September 11.
John Sutherlin, ULM history and government professor, presented to students, faculty and staff "Terrorism: Five Years Later," as a part of the Chautauqua Nexus series.
His speech gave students the opportunity to gain an alternative perspective on terrorism and our continuous war with the Middle East.
"The U.S. has more troops across the globe, and the war on terrorism seems to have bogged down in Iraq," Sutherlin said. "Americans appear restless over challenges to their personal liberties and freedoms because of governmental intrusions into their associations and privacy. This presentation looks at many issues surrounding 9-11 and its five-year aftermath."
Sutherlin spoke to the attendees about not only the terrorist attacks around the world, but what has also happened since then to the soldiers, families and citizens in Iraq.
"What happened in New York and Washington, D.C., five years ago, I feel, still affects us today," said biology junior Michelle Lamanette. "Listening to Dr. Sutherlin and hearing how other people felt about the event opened my eyes to many more things. I got so much from it."
Following Sutherlin's speech, a candle vigil was held to remember not only the lives that were lost in the attacks, but also the memories, both good and bad, that still remain.
"We hope that the glow from our candles will send a message to the world that we at ULM care about the pain and suffering resulting from that attack," said psychology professor and Nexus organizer Joe McGahan.
McGahan organizes Chautauqua Nexus events each week for students, faculty, staff and members of the community to attend.
"The Nexus is an opportunity for intellectual and cultural exchange," McGahan said. "We give people a chance to bounce ideas around with people with different views. We encourage students to exercise their voices."
Chautauqua Nexus events are free and open to the public.
"It's a great way to meet new people and talk about things that are going on in the world that affect us," Lamanette said.
McGahan said, "We would love for students to attend and participate in our Nexus events. When students speak out it allows other people from the outside to get involved. We want this to grow so that people can see what ULM has to offer and that we care about what's going on in the world, not just here in Monroe."
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