Today, six months since the devastating terrorist events in New York City, Washington, D.C., and rural Pennsylvania, the Washington University community continues to remember those difficult days. It is fitting and right that this episode in our nation's history not be quickly forgotten. Perhaps the best that we in academia -- students, faculty and administration -- have to offer during these troubled times is our intellect, our understanding of the world, and our ongoing commitment to learning and discovery.

Since September 11, much has happened that has been reassuring. The nation has rallied behind its leadership, and progress has been made in improving our security. However, we cannot rest comfortably hearing of repeated security warnings and knowing that American forces are working on our behalf under difficult and dangerous conditions.

This community has responded well during these difficult times. You have my gratitude for the spirit of collegiality and understanding that you have brought to the discussion of the important issues surrounding the events of September 11. I am proud to say that Washington University has continued to be a safe and caring community where differing points of view can be presented and discussed.

Thank you, too, for continuing to make Washington University a community free from hatred and injustice, and for respecting all of our students, faculty and staff, especially those from Arabic and Muslim backgrounds. In such times, this spirit of unity is one of the strongest messages we can send to the world.

Shortly after the events of September 11, the University put into place a Coordinating Council to address issues of emergency response, health, security and communication as they relate to the life of Washington University. Many good ideas have come from this group, including establishing clearer emergency and decision-making protocols; reviewing campus access and security measures; conducting an audit of all nuclear, biological and chemical agents; reviewing our protections against cyberterrorism; and establishing a new emergency e-mail protocol. This new system, in fact, allowed you to receive this email in a fraction of the time that it took on September 11.

We are continuing to improve the electronic and physical infrastructure of the campus in order to quickly and effectively respond to any future events, and I want to thank the members of the Coordinating Council who worked hard and sought information and help from many others to put together a working plan.