University commemorates 9/11 with Day of Service

Marisol Medina/Staff Writer

Since 2001, universities and schools have commemorated 9/11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance, with the University hosting the Day of Service the Saturday before.

Chris Cole, graduate assistant for the FIU Center for Leadership and Service, has worked to put together the University’s Day of Service at both Modesto A. Maidique Campus and Biscayne Bay Campus. This year it will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 9-12 p.m.

Students will engage in cleaning up the bay, maintaining the gardens as well as helping to build a new community garden at BBC.

“We expect about 300-400 students to partake in the community service activities organized throughout both campuses,” said Cole.

The Center for Leadership and Service has partnered with the School of Environment, Arts and Society; FIU Athletics and Alternative Breaks to provide a morning packed with activities to engage students.

There is an open invitation for people outside the University community, especially one firefighter who was present at Ground Zero twelve years ago at the time of the attacks. The officer has yet to confirm his assistance.

“If he were to participate, we will be giving him a special recognition and students will have a reflection piece as they go through the service to think about what it means to partake in the day of service to commemorate the 9/11 attacks,” said Cole.

Phalancia Louisy, junior English major, has participated in the 9/11 Day of Service for the past two years.

“Last year we helped restore the butterfly garden in front of WUC. It feels good to know you are doing something to help this beautiful campus look more beautiful, ” said Louisy.

Louisy said she doesn’t attend the Day of Service solely for the community service part. She attends mostly for the events that are hosted afterward. [pullquote]“The events of 9/11 are still a soft spot for many people,” said Louisy.[/pullquote]

“The events after show you that the events of 9/11 are still a soft spot for many people,” said Louisy. The speakers that come really help you connect to the events. We may not realize that people that we encounter on a daily basis have gone through that,” said Louisy.

Students that want to sign up for the Day of Service can do so through the CLS website.

– news@fiusm.com

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