The 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks will be a time to reflect on the painful memories of the day's events and their aftermath, but also an opportunity to make a positive impact on the North Texas community.

UNT is commemorating the anniversary by encouraging participation in service projects, as well as reflection and discussions on how the terrorist attacks have shaped the U.S. and the world. For one week beginning Sept. 6, UNT will host commemorative events across campus that are open to students, faculty, staff, alumni and the public.
 

Robert M. Gates

Events include a letter-writing campaign to military service members, a blood drive, roundtable discussions featuring world-renowned experts on foreign and domestic policy issues, a halftime moment of silence and recognition of student veterans at the Sept. 10 football game, a memorial service, and a Distinguished Lecture Series keynote address by former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates.

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Read others’ memories or watch videos about what others remember

"Providing our students and the university community with the best possible opportunities for learning and growth is a fundamental part of UNT's mission," President V. Lane Rawlins says. "The Distinguished Lecture Series complements the educational experience by attracting the nation's top speakers and exposing our community to diverse perspectives and personalities."

Gates joined the Central Intelligence Agency in 1966 and spent nearly 27 years as an intelligence professional. During that period, he spent nearly nine years at the National Security Council and the White House, serving four presidents. Prior to serving as the 22nd secretary of defense from 2006 to 2011, he was president of Texas A&M University for four years.

Gates has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Security Medal and the Presidential Citizens Medal, has twice received the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, and has received the CIA's highest award, the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, three times.

"Having Robert Gates on our campus is a unique opportunity for our students to learn first-hand from someone who has had significant responsibility within our government," says Elizabeth With ('02 Ed.D.), vice president for student affairs.

"He will be able to provide a perspective of 9/11 events, but also of the impact on current policy and military actions around the world."
 

Veterans Center

Over the last decade, UNT has been acknowledged by numerous organizations for the university's outreach to veterans, including the opening of a Veterans Center in 2009. The center, located in the University Union, helps veterans navigate the transition from service to college. UNT also has an active Student Veteran's Association and offers emotional support through the Disability and Well-being Consortium.

UNT, which enrolls nearly 1,200 student veterans, has been named a Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs magazine and is ranked No. 1 in Texas for Veterans by Military Times Edge.

Get involved

• USO letter-writing campaign to troops: Send a note of support to our military service members from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 6 and 7 in the One O'Clock Lounge, University Union. Get more information about how to support the troops.
• Distinguished Lecture Series keynote address: Former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates will speak at 8 p.m. Sept. 7 in the UNT Coliseum. Ticket prices range from $15 to $40. For more information, contact the Union Information Desk at 940-565-3805.
• Blood drive: The American Red Cross will host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 8 in the Golden Eagle Suite, Union.
• Roundtable discussions: Experts from around the globe will discuss foreign and domestic policy issues since Sept. 11, including criminal justice and human rights, Sept. 8 in the Gateway Center. The domestic policy roundtable begins at 4 p.m. in Rooms 34-35. The foreign policy roundtable begins at 5:45 p.m. in Rooms 43-47.
• Honoring student veterans: Join the UNT community in a moment of silence and honor student veterans at the first home game in UNT's new Apogee Stadium beginning at 6 p.m. Sept. 10. North Texas alumnus Pat Boone will sing the national anthem.
• Memorial service: Join the UNT community during a memorial ceremony on the Library Mall from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 11. The ceremony will include a live performance of the national anthem, speakers from various religious and professional backgrounds, and a moment of silence.