Classes, meetings and other activities, which normally are the main focus of those on campus every day, were overshadowed by the events that unfolded in the northeast Tuesday morning.

Students, teachers and staff flocked around the many televisions and radios on campus as attention was focused on the attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center.

Classes were canceled, as were sporting events.

Eyes were focused intently on televisions in Bollinger Memorial Student Union as people could be seen gazing toward the screens with jaws dropped.

In the Lafitte room, Dr. Glenn Antizzo, professor of government, watched the live coverage with several students.

“Absolutely shaken,” he said.

“I’m from New York. I was raised there. I lived there until I was 24 years old. I used to go as a teenager to that part of Manhattan.

“I’m absolutely shaken because this happened, not just because of the act of it happening, but also because I have loved ones still in the area. My sister lives five miles away from this, and my first impulse this morning was to call her,” Antizzo said.

“I tried to call her several times today, and I kept getting a recording that all circuits were busy leading into that part of New York City. So, I wasn’t able to get in touch with her for awhile.”

However, he said he is happy to report she is safe.

“When she heard about this, she immediately went to get her son out of school. But, she said that 10 miles away in Coney Island, there was soot and ashes falling down and leaving a layer on the cars and on the streets.”

Antizzo started speaking of who the perpetrators might be, but stopped to express his disgust when he saw footage of Palestinians rejoicing over the attack.

“Well, we don’t know who it is yet. I have my gut feelings about who it is. I was reminded by one of my colleagues in the history department … Look at this! Look at this! I’m sorry.”

The magnitude of the effect and finesse of the attack was not lost on Antizzo.

“This is the most spectacular attack in a single day in the history of the United States. This absolutely dwarfs Pearl Harbor.”

Many others were also shocked by the attack.

“My friend called me and told me. I’m really shocked,” Josh Gilbreath, computer information systems junior from Thibodaux, said.

Larke Bilello, mass communication senior from Gonzales, commented on the timing of the attack.

“I don’t think this is a coincidence that this happened on 9-11,” she said.

Others on campus were at a loss for words.

Michele Theriot, English instructor, could say little.

“Unbelievable,” she said.

Matthew Ford, mass communication sophomore from Houma, is a member of the Army National Guard.

“We spent three weeks in desert combat training this summer for this exact scenario. I will fulfill my obligation,” he said.

“My mom and sister are worried. They are scared. I am more worried about my family than myself,” Ford said.

For some, shock turned to vengeance as the day progressed.

“Whatever country was in charge will be hunted down,” Jason Mareno, allied health senior from Thibodaux, said.

“I am ready to see some retaliation,” Nathan LePine, business administration sophomore from Gonzales, said.

Editor’s note: Erica Settoon, mass communication junior from Plaquemine, contributed information for this article.