A Message from Chancellor Berdahl

To the Campus Community:

I believe we have reason to be very proud of how our campus community has responded to the tragic events in New York City and Washington, D.C. Spontaneous, student-organized events sprang up across the campus shortly after the news broke. One student told me that she couldn't bear to see people going on with their lives as if nothing had happened, so she sat down in Sproul Plaza. She was joined by another student who produced paper and posterboards on which passers-by were invited to share their thoughts and feelings about the tragedy. Throughout the day, many stopped, read the comments of others, and added their own. This collection of observations contains much that is wise, eloquent, and moving.

One student wrote,

"For the sake of our future, take time to remember the ideals that make us human."

Another wrote,

"Forget about hate and retaliation. For at least a day, give time to think of those who can't go on as if today is just another day."

Another student, invoking the University's motto, wrote,

"Fiat lux—once meant we here would illuminate the darkness of ignorance.
Our task is not finished.
The light must outshine the hatred everywhere.
Fiat lux in every heart and mind."

On Tuesday evening, students organized a candlelight vigil held on Sproul Plaza, attended by three thousand students, faculty, and staff. Dozens shared their feelings and views. The moment of silence on Sproul Plaza, punctuated by the light of three thousand candles, offered an eloquent expression of grief and compassion for those lost and their devastated families.

Graduate students in computer science developed a Web site that people can use to search for friends and relatives who may have been victims of the attacks. Within 24 hours, it had received 580,000 inquiries. Class meetings and symposia have discussed the events and their aftermath; students in residence halls and co-ops have also organized focused and sustained conversations.

Our campus family has suffered losses. We know that at least one Cal alumnus, Mark Bingham, perished on Flight 93. Barbara Olson, wife of Boalt Hall graduate and U.S. Solicitor General Theodore Olson, died on Flight 77. When the final list of victims is compiled, there may very well be other alumni on it as well, for we know many worked in the World Trade Center.

These have been unbelievably difficult and unprecedented days for our nation. Difficult times lie ahead as the country deals with the effects of these heinous attacks. Let us continue as we have begun, with compassion, understanding and peaceful discourse. Let us each bear ourselves in a manner of which we will always remain proud. Let us remember that peace and justice can come only from a determination to seek peace and to act justly. Let us exemplify our motto: Fiat lux!

Robert M. Berdahl
Chancellor