09/10/2025
By Julie Chen
On Sept. 11, we pause to honor members of the UMass Lowell community whose lives were lost that day and to recognize the spirit of unity and service that continues to inspire us. The legacy of Sept. 11, 2001 reminds us how important it is to come together in times of challenge and to support one another through acts of service and kindness.
In their memory, I encourage you to mark the day through acts of kindness, volunteerism and service to others. Even small gestures – helping a neighbor, supporting a community cause or reaching out to someone in need – carry forward the spirit of unity that emerged in the days following Sept. 11.
Wreaths will be laid at both UMass Lowell’s 9/11 Memorial, Unity, on the Lowell Riverwalk behind Leitch and Bourgeois Halls and at the Brian Kinney Memorial near University Crossing at the corner of Pawtucket and Fletcher streets.
Unity honors these alumni and friends of the university:
- Douglas Gowell '71
- Robert Hayes '86
- Brian Kinney '95
- John Ogonowski '72, pilot of American Airlines Flight 11
- Patrick J. Quigley IV, husband of a UMass Lowell graduate
- Jessica Leigh Sachs, a former student whose parents are alumni
- Christopher Zarba ’79
We also remember retired New York State Police Trooper Ryan Fortini ’98, who passed away in 2020 from illnesses stemming from his work at the World Trade Center site.
The Unity memorial is designed to be meditative, inviting, and comforting. Its form reminds us of the cycles of life and renewal, and its raised segment inscribed “September 11, 2001” asks us never to forget.
On behalf of the university, we stand together in remembrance of those we lost and in gratitude for those who continue to serve to keep our communities strong.