Fourth Estate/Kaylyn Barnhart
Mason community commemorates 9/11 with Day of Service.
BY KAYLYN BARNHART, CULTURE EDITOR
Mason commemorated the fateful day of September 11, 2001 with their 11th annual 9/11 Day of Service. The events that occurred on this date are not forgotten. Those who were lost and have served on that day are honored by the Mason community.
“Every year on 9/11 we remember the first responders who rose to the call of duty 22 years ago in 2001,” said Jennifer Connors, Director of Military Services. “We also take time to say thanks to those who serve and work every day to ensure the safety of our community and country.”
The event invited all students, faculty alumni and community members to enjoy live music and listen to speech tributes from President Gregory Washington, Mason alumni veterans, and Mason Chooses Kindness.
Mason’s Community Engagement and Civic Learning hosted a service fair where 20 different service projects were available for participants to join which focused on giving back to the community. Some of the projects included making animal chew toys and blankets for local animal shelters, and card making to give Mason’s Safety Emergency and Enterprise Risk Management Team and local area first responders.
“I’m really big on giving back to my local community,” said junior and Student Body President Paul Wyche, an active participant of the fair. “It’s very important for me to give back to others as they have given back to me, and I just want to keep that going.”
The service projects aimed to recognize the value of an individual’s contribution to the community’s effort towards positive social change. Participants were encouraged by the projects to support the community by promoting positive social change within organizations they are part of, and in society.
“I’m really happy that we have this at Mason, and I just want to take advantage of the opportunity to contribute,” said Wyche.
Participants were also able to connect with over 35 community partners and leaders and discover various service opportunities. Charity organizations such as the Book Drive, Patriot Pantry and Women Giving Back also participated to encourage donations to support their missions.
“I am grateful to be a part of a community of people at Mason who make a positive change in our community by serving and giving back,” said Lisa Snyder, Associate Director for Leadership Education and Development.
In association with the day of service, INOVA Blood Donor Services also hosted a Blood Mobile on Fairfax campus for the first time. As a thanks for donating, blood donors received a Legacy t-shirt from INOVA Blood Donor Services.
To continue to honor this date, a team from Mason will be participating in the Arlington Police, Fire, & Sheriff 9/11 Memorial 5K Race on Saturday, September 9. This race will honor the victims of 9/11, and the first responders and military personnel who responded that day.
“It’s important that we never forget this day. We must remember and honor those that served, continue to serve, and the loved ones who were impacted and lost on that tragic day,” said Snyder.
