SU announces program of Sept. 11 commemorative activities

SALISBURY, MD ----Salisbury University commemorates the tragedies of September 11 with four significant events, including participation in the worldwide "Rolling Requiem." Other activities are a meditative labyrinth walk, a University-community dialogue reflecting on the impact of the attacks, and a student candlelight vigil.

SU is the only campus in Maryland and one of only two choral organizations in the state participating in the "Rolling Requiem." Globally, some 150 choirs in 23 countries are working with the project. At the Eastern Shore campus, this will be a participatory choral event where attendees join together in a "read-through" of Mozart's Requiem on Wednesday, September 11, at the time the World Trade Center was first attacked.

SU Director of Choral Activities Patrick Freer invites all members of the local community; church, community and school choirs; and the SU campus to participate with the University Choirs in this worldwide singing of the Mozart masterwork. All are asked to assemble at 8:30 a.m. in the Great Hall of Holloway Hall for instructions and reflection. Following a campuswide minute of silence at 8:46 a.m. during which the University carillon will toll, the Requiem will begin. The program is expected to conclude around 10 a.m. Other Music Department faculty involved are Susan Zimmer, piano, and Robert Tudor, baritone.

Throughout the morning the carillon will toll for one minute commemorating the times of the four terrorist attacks.

On the eve of the anniversary, Tuesday, September 10, a meditative labyrinth walk in the Wicomico Room of the Guerrieri University Center opens at 5:15 p.m. Clergy from faiths throughout the region including Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Baha'i are part of the ceremonial opening.

Also Tuesday, September 10, at 7:30 p.m. in Caruthers Hall Auditorium, a University-community dialogue on September 11--a year later will allow those attending to share their thoughts about its impact and meaning. Organized by Dr. Maarten Pereboom, chair of the History Department, he hopes that this open dialogue with faculty, students and Shore residents will engage all.

Wednesday, September 11, at 9 p.m. a Student Remembrance Walk and Candlelight Vigil begins at the Wicomico Room. Students, faculty and staff are invited to light candles and join a procession to Red Square for an hour of reflection.

The labyrinth remains open throughout the week, allowing walking and contemplation. Hours are Tuesday, September 10, 6-8 p.m.; Wednesday, September 11, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Thursday-Friday, September 12-13, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

A digital (finger) labyrinth for the visually and mobility-impaired also is available. Both are courtesy of Amy Isaacs of Salisbury. (Isaacs will be available each evening and all day September 11 to answer questions about the labyrinth.) A memorial journal allows walkers to record their thoughts following the event.

For more information on the Requiem call Freer at 410-543-6386. For other events call the SU Office of Cultural Affairs and Museum Programs at 410-543-6271.