Normally filled with conversation and laughter, College Coffee became quiet Sept. 10 as the Elon community paused at Fonville Fountain to remember those affected by the Sept. 11 attacks. Details...
As the Alamance building carillon chimed at 10 a.m., the group fell silent as a light mist fell. The silence lasted nearly 5 minutes, broken only occasionally by a passing car in the background or the chatter of birds.
For many in the group, it was a reminder of College Coffee on Sept. 11, 2001, where many in the Elon community first learned of the attacks. What was to have been a festive event, celebrating the planned opening of Rhodes Stadium four days later, became a somber scene marked by shock and bewilderment. President Leo M. Lambert announced the news and Chaplain Richard McBride led the stunned group in prayer.
Junior Eliza Davis was at College Coffee that morning. “It was just surreal. It was moving how everyone was so concerned and the rest of the community was very supportive.”
Elon freshmen who attended today’s coffee recalled learning about the attacks in their high school classes last year. “In every class, we just sat there and watched the news,” said Lauren Bollenback. She had just visited the World Trade Center in July 2001, so the attacks hit close to home for her.
Today, as members of the Elon community arrived for College Coffee, each person was handed a card explaining the time of silence, and encouraged to think reflectively.
“Today at 10 a.m., as the carillon tolls the hour, we ask all members of our community to pause and observe a moment of silence in tribute to the 3,000 people who perished on 9/11,” the card read. “Ponder what each of us must do to create a world more just, more affirming of human dignity, and more appreciative of all its religions and cultures.”