On October 11, 2001, Fred Rogers participated in a memorial
to all who lost their lives on September 11’s tragedy.
He shared the following words with us, faculty, staff and
students.
“Whether one is a middle school student or college
graduate, a builder, a musician, or teacher, we as human
beings all want to know that we’re acceptable,
that our being alive has somehow made a difference in
the lives of others.
I am proud of you for standing for something you believed
in—something that wasn't particularly popular,
but something which assured the rights of someone less
fortunate than you.
I’m proud of you for the times you came in second,
or third, or fourth, but what you did was the best you
had ever done.
I’m proud of you for the times you’ve said “yes” when
all it meant was extra work for you and seemingly helpful
only to somebody else.
I’m proud of you for the times you’ve said “no” when
all it seemed to mean was a loss of pleasure yet eventually
supported the growth of somebody else as well as yourself.
There is no normal life that is free of pain. I am so
proud of you for the times you wrestled with your problems
and somehow, somewhere found the courage to try again.”
We share the loss of Fred M. Rogers with children and
their families. The School of Information Sciences’ community
is proud that you were our friend, Mr. Rogers.