A Letter from the President: Remembering September 11
09/11/20
West Windsor, N.J. – Today, the Mercer County Community College family, along with millions of others across this country and around the world, honor those whose lives were lost 19 years ago in the tragedy of 9/11.
It has been MCCC’s tradition to gather together annually in remembrance. Unfortunately, this year COVID-19 has forced us to interrupt that tradition. But we remain steadfast in honoring the victims of this tragedy and maintaining a focus on unity and service.
Almost 30 of those who died in the terror attack were Mercer County residents, so the pain of the event hits close to home. Although time may round the sharp edges of that pain, it can never erase the heartache we feel for those men, women and children—2,977 in all.
Nineteen years ago, they became victims of a mindset that places little value on individual lives, and reviles the ideals that we as Americans hold dear. For hundreds of years, those ideals have made America unique among nations.
It is important to remember, as we honor those who lost their lives, that they were each distinct individuals coming from different backgrounds with a broad range of personal perspectives.
But they were all Americans. Their differences were what united them and what will continue to unite us. Our strength and our future lie in the glory of our diversity and in the vision of an America that truly embodies our national motto:
“E Pluribus Unum”—“From Many, One.”
Now more than ever, even though many of us are apart, we must all unite again to preserve the memory of those who lost their lives and those who risked their own lives to save or serve others. Now more than ever, we must stand together as one diverse nation, united, indivisible, and strong for those in search of freedom, liberty, equality, and justice for all. Now more than ever, let each of us do our part.
To learn more about September 11, visit https://www.911memorial.org/
And to find volunteer opportunities near you, visit https://www.nationalservice.gov/serve/september-11th-national-day-service-and-remembrance
To view the MCCC Sept. 11 Memorial Video, on the morning of Sept. 11, visit the college’s YouTube page.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jianping Wang
President
Established in 1966, Mercer County Community College (MCCC) is a publicly supported comprehensive educational institution that provides opportunities for higher education through an open-door admission policy. MCCC is home to 70 associate degree programs and numerous credit and noncredit certificate programs. The college also offers many educational experiences, leadership opportunities and the chance to interact with other students and faculty/staff members in an informal setting.
More than 40 clubs offer students the opportunity to explore special interests. Many of these clubs are directly affiliated with fields of study and augment classroom experiences.
In addition, art exhibits, dance productions, dramatic presentations, musical productions, and performances by guest artists are sponsored throughout the year. Music organizations include the college chorus, jazz band, symphonic band, dance ensemble, and stage band.
For more information about student life, visit: https://www.mccc.edu/student_services_clubs.shtml
Though the COVID-19 pandemic will prevent Mercer County Community College from hosting its annual in-person September 11 Remembrance Ceremony, the college produced a video presentation in remembrance of the victims of 9/11.