Sept. 11 is a date that forever will occupy a special place in the hearts of all Americans. And for those of us who hold Fresno State dear, it is a date that is twice as significant. As with our countrymen, Sept. 11 is forever etched in our minds for the terrorism and tragic loss of nearly 3,000 innocent lives at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pa. At Fresno State, we also commemorate that date as the anniversary we opened its doors in 1911.

As we remember our university’s beginning on Sept. 11, we are especially humbled by the memory of two of our alumni, Todd Beamer and Navy Lt. Cmdr. Otis Vincent Tolbert, who lost their lives on a day this nation shall never forget.

Hallmarks of our great country — and of Fresno State — are our resiliency and our ability to see light where there was darkness. I hope that we will continue moving forward — as a nation and as a university — with confidence and pride, and also with profound gratitude and respect for all of those individuals who sacrificed so much.