09/09/2022
By Julie Chen

The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 profoundly impacted this nation. For many of us, our memories of that day and the people we lost are still fresh, even after more than two decades. Those too young to have witnessed the day’s events feel the weight of this anniversary, as well.

Seven members of the River Hawk family were lost in the attacks. At some point this weekend – and especially on Sunday’s anniversary – I hope everyone in our community will take a moment to remember them.

We will think about the incomprehensible nature of the Sept. 11 attacks, as well as the sadness and anger that flowed in the aftermath. We’ll think about how the shadow of 9/11 defined America for generations to come.

Hopefully we also will remember examples of courage and resolve, particularly among first responders after the loss of so many members of the New York City police and fire departments.

Certainly, we will remember the lives lost.

I invite everyone in our UMass Lowell community to take a few minutes today or this weekend to visit the Unity memorial on East Campus. Artists who designed the memorial in 2004 were UMass Lowell alumnae – Gail Miller, Rebekah Hermans and Janet Wittlinger. Their work is designed to inspire and guide us to remember, while also representing the cycle of life.

Finally, we will lower flags on campus to half-staff, in tribute to those who were killed, and especially the following members of our River Hawk community.
  • Douglas A. Gowell, Lowell Technical Institute, ’71
  • Robert Hayes, UMass Lowell, ’86
  • Brian Kinney, UMass Lowell, ’95
  • John Ogonowski, Lowell Technical Institute, ’72
  • Jessica Leigh Sachs, daughter of UMass Lowell alumni Stephen and Karen Sachs
  • Patrick Quigley IV, husband of Patricia Quigley, ’86, son-in-law of the late UMass Lowell Prof. Brendan Fleming
  • Christopher Zarba, ’79