Owens Community College’s Student Government is inviting students and employees, as well as area
residents, to join them on the Perrysburg Township and Findlay campuses and pay tribute to those victims
and heroes that lost their lives in the Sept. 11 tragedy 10 years ago by participating in a series of
free community events on Thursday.
"Ten years ago, thousands of individuals lost their lives in a terrorist attack on American soil,
which forever changed this country," said John Byers, Owens director of student involvement.
"Owens Community College is proud to remember and honor those individuals and the heroic efforts of
many others who risk their lives to ensure our county’s safety."
Owens Manager of Student Activities and Conduct James Katzner added, "Sept. 11 has become a day
ingrained into the memory of America and its citizens. Most of us can remember where we were and what we
were doing when we heard about or saw the tragic events as they played out across the country. These
community events are intended to pay tribute to those victims and heroes who died as a result of the
terrorist attacks."
Beginning at 9 a.m. on the Perrysburg Township campus, individuals will have the opportunity to view a
memorial display in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Rotunda commemorating the 10th anniversary
of the terrorist attacks.
The memorial display will include newspaper clippings and photos from the tragic event. A complete name
listing of those that perished will be on display. Visitors will also have the chance to leave their own
inspirational message and pick up a carnation to present at the memorial as part of an interactive
exhibit titled "Where Were You."
Owens’ memorial display activities will conclude at 5 p.m.
Individuals will also have the chance to view the film "102 Minutes That Changed America" in
the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre. The 102-minute documentary film depicts in
virtually real time the New York-based events of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks primarily using raw video
footage from mostly amateur citizen journalists. Produced by History (channel), the documentary
premiered in 2008. "102 Minutes That Changed America" will air continuously from 9 a.m. to 5
p.m.
Myrta Gschaar of Maumee, who lost her husband, Robert, as a result of the terrorist attacks on the second
tower at the World Trade Center in New York City, has loaned an array of artifacts from Sept. 11,
including a piece of steel from the World Trade Center site that an artist handcrafted and sent to each
victim’s family. The artifacts will be on display throughout the event.
Attendees will also have the opportunity throughout the day to participate in a multi-sensory art exhibit
titled "aWAReness." The exhibit, presented by Owens Adjunct Instructor of Fine and Performing
Arts Bianca Marcia Naves, will provide individuals with the chance to experience war from a sight,
smell, sound and touch perspective. Visitors will be able to touch and smell an array of military items,
as well as hear and see recorded accounts from various U.S. soldiers and marines about what life is like
within a war zone.
Starting at 9 a.m. on the Findlay campus, individuals can participate in an interactive memorial display
in the Commons area. In addition to viewing photographs, artwork and other personal mementos,
participants will be able to leave their own message at the "Where Were You" portion of the
display.
Owens Director of Public and Chief of Police John Betori will share his own experience of participating
in the rescue efforts in days following the attacks on the World Trade Center complex as part of a
lecture presentation at 1 p.m. in the Conference Center Room 111.
For more information about the Sept. 11 activities, call (567) 661-7583 or (800)GO-OWENS, ext. 7583, or
(567) 429-3029 or ext. 3029.
