Rector Sigmund Grønmo's speech to the students, fall 2011
Rector's speech to the students, and espescially new students, at the opening of the academic year of 2011/2012. The speech was held in front of the University Museum of Bergen the 16th of August 2011.
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Distinguished guests, colleagues, and students.
Dear new students.
Welcome to the University of Bergen, and a very special welcome to all the new students from abroad!
I am going to speak in Norwegian, and there will be an English translation on screen.
As we start a new academic year, we are all still reeling from the brutal terrorist attacks in Oslo and Utøya on 22 July. Among the many fatalities was one of our students, Tore Eikeland. A dedicated, active student, he ought to have been here today to continue his degree in comparative politics.
Other students were also directly exposed to the terrible attacks, and some were injured. Many of our staff and students have lost loved ones, and our thoughts go to the victims and their relatives. We remember those killed and will do all we can to support the injured and people who are struggling with after effects.
We take part in the mourning, and now is a time to stick together and take care of each other. The bombing and shooting touch us all.
It was a systematic and carefully planned attack against the fundamental values of our society and our University – cultural diversity, community, free and critical thinking, openness, tolerance, human dignity and human rights.
We will not be paralyzed by fear – no one can terrorize us into silence. Our response to terrorism is active political and social involvement.
We condemn these terrorist acts and stand together in defense of the fundamental values of our society and the University.
Let us now remember those who died in the attacks with one minute's silence.