Dear Colleagues:

As we observe the second anniversary of September 11, 2001, I hope our campus community will use this occasion to ponder the lessons we learned from that terrible day.

The September 11 tragedy inflicted a pain and a grief on this nation that will never go away, but it also taught us that we can stand up to hate if we stand together. The heroes of that day - the victims in their final moments, the emergency workers who tried to save them, and the loved ones who have mourned them since - taught us that courage and dignity are among our greatest human assets. And above all else, we learned that respect for diversity is more than a noble concept; it has become the key to our survival.

With that in mind, I have asked that the campus carillon ring at 12 noon to mark the September 11 anniversary, and at that time, I invite everyone to join in a moment of silence and reflection. In addition, throughout the campus community (including the two UCSD Medical Centers), flags will be lowered at half-staff. I also invite you to visit the commemorative plaque that was installed last September 11 as a tribute to the victims. The plaque is located at the base of a eucalyptus tree near the foot of the "Snake Path" Stuart Collection sculpture at the west end of Warren Mall just north of the Center for Magnetic Recording Research. Finally, I invite you to read a message to all UC employees from President Richard Atkinson, which is posted on my Website at:

http://www-chancellor.ucsd.edu/message.htm

Let me end by saying that I have taken special pride in two post-9/11 campus developments: in the unity and strength we have shown together, and in our renewed commitment to safeguarding the nation through advances in education, research, and public service. As we prepare the next generation of leaders, let us always remember that our work as a university community can and must make this a safer, better world.

                                                Sincerely,

                                                Bob Dynes