Dear Professor Drewry,

Thank you for your letter of 25th September, received this morning. I appreciate very much the sentiments expressed in your letter about the events of 11th September. On a personal note, I am happy to report that none of my family and friends lost loved ones in the disastrous events. However, we are deeply shocked by the scale of the destruction and the disregard for the value of human life.
As British citizens we are mindful of the fact that there are so many of our fellow countrymen and -women who have lost their lives. Also at this time we miss the close proximity of our extended family and friends back home.
I do not think it is possible to understand the mindset of those who carried out these appalling crimes. However, I know that one of the best ways to promote peace and friendship across the world is through education in a multicultural environment. I know that Hull University sets a shining example in this regard: in my own experience Professor Alan Townshend directed an outstanding research laboratory with a truly diverse set of postgraduates. Please continue your work.

Thanks again for your thoughts and good wishes.

Yours sincerely,
Richard Abbott

Dear Professor Drewry,

Thank you very much for the kind letter that you sent to all graduates of the University of Hull living in America. As you can imagine, it is a very strange and emotional time to be living in the United States, but after receiving your letter, I felt reassured and very touched that September 11 had such a profound effect on everyone around the world. It was a nice surprise to realise that such a strong connection exists between a university and its graduates!

Anonymous

Dear Professor Drewry,

I wanted to write to you a personal note thanking you for the letter that was sent out to Hull alumni currently living in the States.
It meant a great deal to me to know that the University of Hull counted me in their thoughts and prayers.
Although I suffered no personal loss in the tragedy, my life was deeply affected by it as I currently work as a paramedic/firefighter 30 miles outside of Washington, DC.

Thank you for your kind words during a hard time.
Rachel Short
(Scandinavian Studies 1996)

Dear Professor Drewry,

I was touched to receive today a letter from you expressing your sympathy for the tragedy we have suffered in the States. Thank you for your sensitivity and kind attention.

God bless.
Adriana Stanoiu
MA 1998

Dear Professor Drewry,

I was very moved by your letter of September 25th expressing your concern over the recent tragedies in New York and Washington.
My direct family and friends were spared in these events but no one was free of the repercussions and shared grief.
I, personally, was in the air approaching Chicago airport that morning and we turned back and landed in Dallas. It wasn’t until we were back on the ground that we had any idea of what had happened.
Thanks again for your concern and for taking the trouble to share your thoughts with us.

Best regards
Bob Smith, Austin, Texas