09/10/2024
By Julie Chen

The anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks always invites a time to pause and reflect. Many of us in the UMass Lowell community carry memories of that morning — where we were, who we were with. Others do not, having been too young to remember or not even born at the time.

Still, regardless of one’s age, all of us are connected to this anniversary in some way. It will always be a time to stop and pay tribute to the 2,977 lives lost to terror attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon.

We also remember those first-responders, service members and others who reacted selflessly in response to the tragedy. Once again, we resolve to join together in productive action and service, giving back to our community whenever possible.

On this year’s anniversary, I encourage every member of the UMass Lowell community to conduct a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., on Wednesday, Sept. 11, in memory of the lives lost during the attacks.

I hope you also get a chance to visit the UMass Lowell 9/11 Memorial, titled “Unity,” on the Lowell Riverwalk behind Leitch and Bourgeois halls.

This memorial honors the following alumni and friends of the university who were among the victims:

  • Douglas Gowell '71
  • Robert Hayes '86
  • Brian Kinney '95
  • John Ogonowski '72, who was the pilot of American Airlines Flight 11
  • Patrick J. Quigley IV, who was the husband of a UMass Lowell graduate
  • Jessica Leigh Sachs, a former student whose parents are alumni
  • Christopher Zarba,’79

Please also remember retired New York State Police Trooper Ryan Fortini ‘98, who died Jan. 1, 2020, from illnesses stemming from search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site.

“Unity” is designed as a meditative, inviting and comforting place. Its center includes Karl Foerster grass symbolizing the cycle of life and rebirth. A dozen segments of its round slate top represent the 12 months. One segment rising slightly higher than the others is inscribed “Sept. 11, 2001,” so that we may never forget.

For this year’s anniversary, flags again will be lowered to half-staff. Wreaths will be placed at the 9/11 memorial and the Kinney Memorial at the corner of Pawtucket and Fletcher streets.

Once again, our university remains united in the memory of those who died as well as those still serving to keep us safe.

We will never forget.