09/08/2023
By Julie Chen

I encourage members of the UMass Lowell community to conduct a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. on Monday to remember the 2,977 people who lost their lives to terror attacks at the World Trade Center in New York, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.

Immediately following the attacks, first responders, service members and countless others rose in service in response to the tragedy.

Sept. 11 brought us together to mourn – and also brought us together in grace. It is in memory of the 2,977 lives lost that we must continue to join in productive action and service, and to give back.

In the days ahead, I hope you’ll make time to visit the UMass Lowell 9/11 Memorial titled “Unity” on the Lowell Riverwalk behind Leitch and Bourgeois halls. “Unity” honors these 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. Investigator Ryan Fortini passed away on Jan. 1, 2020, from illnesses stemming from his assignment to search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center following the attacks on 9/11.

The “Unity” memorial design is described as meditative, inviting, warming and comforting. The center of the sculpture includes Karl Foerster grass, which symbolizes the cycle of life and rebirth each spring. The round slate top of the sculpture has 12 segments representing the 12 months. One segment rises slightly higher than the other pieces, is polished and inscribed “September 11, 2001,” reminding us to never forget.

Flags on campus will be lowered to half-staff, wreaths will be placed at both the 9/11 Memorial and the Kinney Memorial, located near University Crossing at the corner of Pawtucket and Fletcher streets. Exterior lights of the Mark & Elisia Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center will also be changed to blue.

On behalf of the entire university, we stand united in honor of the memory of those whose lives were lost and those who still serve to keep us safe. We will never forget.