Remembering 9/11

The twin bars of light signify the loss of the World Trade Center on 9 11 2001 | photo by Lerone Pieters

On Sept. 11, 2001, Seattle Pacific was starting its annual preparations for Orientation and the beginning of another academic year. Autumn Quarter began two weeks later in a suddenly different world. As the country marks the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, we reflect on the past but also offer ways to learn more and a list of organizations helping Afghans making their way to the United States.

SPU Stories

SPU: 20 years ago

SPU's Response magazine editor Shelly Ngo takes a look back 20 years ago and includes republished essays from the Autumn 2001 issue by SPU professors, alumni, and others, as well as an address by former President Philip Eaton, on their personal reflections on 9/11 and thoughts about how Christians can respond. Read the article.

The American flag at half-mast | photo by Eastman Childs

Message from SPU’s Senior Leadership

"Many of you can recall exactly where you were and how you responded to news of the coordinated attacks against the U.S. on September 11, 2001. Others of you may be too young to remember the tragic events at all. Together, we have an opportunity to examine this history and its continued significance for the campus and the wider community." (Excerpt from an email to campus from SPU's Senior Leadership Council.)

A black-and-white photo of the twin towers by Steve Harvey

History Department hosts event

On Sept. 30, 2021, the History Department hosted a discussion about the legacies of the war on terror that was launched in response to the 9/11 attacks 20 years ago. 

“The War on Terror at 20 Years: Lessons Learned" featured three SPU professors discussing the impact of the war on the U.S. and the world. The speakers were Sara Shaban, assistant professor of communication; Mohammad Qadam Shah, assistant professor of global development; and Alissa Walter, assistant professor of history.

The event was livestreamed and recorded.

Volunteers assemble bags of food for refugees | photo by Joel Muniz

How to help Afghans coming to the U.S.

SPU's Center for Career and Calling has provided this list of organizations working with Afghans coming to the United States.

A recent Seattle Times article listed local groups offering resettlement assistance to Afghans coming to the Puget Sound.