As one of the principal actors in the drama of the 9/11 attacks, Acting Dean Andrew Card of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University was featured in Newsweek’s coverage of the 10th anniversary.
Newsweek featured the famous picture of Card whispering to President George W. Bush in a Florida schoolroom, advising the President that the World Trade Center had been attacked. In the accompanying article, Card said, “I thought he reacted exactly the right way. He did nothing to introduce fear to the kids. He did nothing to demonstrate fear to the media that would translate into the satisfaction of the terrorists around the world.”
Card also noted that his life changed after leaving the White House some five years later. After a period of “recuperation and rejuvenation,” he chose to work in the private sector for a number of years. Now returning to public service at the Bush School, Card says he remains committed to making sure people do not forget the horror that was 9/11 and the aftermath.
On Tuesday, September 13, Acting Dean Card spoke about the events of 9/11. His lecture “Reflections on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11” was moderated by Professors Charles Hermann and Jeryl Mumpower. The event was for Bush School students, faculty and staff, giving them a unique opportunity to hear from someone with special insights and memories of the tragic day and its aftermath.
Second year Master of Public Service Administration student, Sarah Andrews, commented, “Dean Card reminded us of the ultimate reason why we study at the Bush School: that the call to public service is neither faceless nor self-serving, instead, it is one where we remember and serve our fellow countrymen. It is, as President Bush says, ‘a noble calling.’”
