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Point Park University is marking the 10th anniversary of 9/11 with a week of public events September 5-11, 2011. The University, located in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, is taking a cross-disciplinary approach to the commemoration and highlighting themes that include respecting cultural differences, recognizing personal responsibility and valuing urban living.

"Living and studying in a dynamic urban campus presents Point Park students with a unique opportunity to engage in lively debate about issues of cultural differences and personal responsibility," says James H. Thomas, Jr., Ed.D., of the office of academic and student affairs.

The University's freshmen, many of whom were children at the time of the catastrophic terrorist event, will read and reflect on "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" by Mohsin Hamid. The following semester another common book, "How Does It Feel to Be a Problem: Being Young and Arab in America," by Moustafa Bayoumi will be made available to students.

Public events Sept. 5-11 include a display of photos by Scott Spangler, a Point Park University bachelor's and master's journalism and mass communication graduate and former Tribune-Review photographer who was one of the first photographers at the crash site in Shanksville, Pa. On Friday, professors from the University's business school and global cultural studies program will participate in a panel discussion about 9/11. A candlelight vigil will end the week on Sunday, September 11. All events are free and open to the public.

Tuesday, September 6

Lecture by Mike Finnegan, Point Park Criminal Justice and Intelligence Studies faculty and former FBI agent who worked terrorism investigations following 9/11

9:40 a.m. - 11:10 a.m. JVH Auditorium, Thayer Hall presented by the School of Arts and Sciences

One Year of 9/11 Photos

Photography exhibit, presentation and reception with Scott Spangler, a Point Park University M.A. grad and former Tribune-Review photographer who was one of the first photographers at the crash site of United Airlines Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pa. Spangler continued to photograph the location over the next year.

4:00 - 6:00 p.m., JVH Gallery, Thayer Hall presented by the School of Communication

Wednesday, September 7

9/11 Film Showcase

9:00 p.m., 212 University Center

Friday, September 9

Multimedia Presentation, Faculty Panel Discussion/Q&A

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Multimedia Presentation, JVH Auditorium, Thayer Hall

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Faculty Panel Discussion/Q&A, 3rd Floor Ballroom, Lawrence Hall presented by the School of Business

Sunday, September 11

Candlelight Vigil

9:00 p.m., Alumni Park presented by Campus Life

Throughout the Week

Memorial stations throughout campus allow students and public to share stories

9/11 remembrance pins are being sold to benefit the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville

University Library features display

"Faculty and staff throughout the University helped to plan the week of 9/11 anniversary events," says JW Tabacchi, director of student activities. "As a community-wide effort, Point Park is providing a unique opportunity for students to learn not only about the events that took place 10 years ago but also the importance of valuing diversity and appreciating differences in culture."