Across Colgate’s campus on Sunday, in private discussions held in dorm rooms and in public comments shared in community spaces, the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks was marked.
Echoing the themes of remembrance and sacrifice that resonated around the nation and the world, students, faculty, and staff members took part in several events.
A non-denominational memorial service was held at Memorial Chapel, an afternoon of community service took place on campus, and the ALANA Cultural Center hosted an interfaith community dinner.
At the dinner, English professor Jane Pinchin, who was serving as interim president at the time of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, spoke about her recollections of the tragic day and its aftermath.
She recalled how staff members searched lists of alumni to determine who was missing, and who might be dead. The number reached seven, and Pinchin said their names are now forever part of Colgate history:
• Sharon Balkcom ’80
• Nestor Cintron ’96
• Scott Coleman ’94
• Edward Porter Felt ’81
• Aaron J. Jacobs ’96
• Todd Pelino ’89
• David Retik ’90
The alumni were among the 2,977 people killed in the attacks. An untold number were, and still are, deeply affected by the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil. And so it was at Colgate, and at venues across the world, a day to remember and a day to renew the vow, “To never forget.”
Related items:
• Professor Christopher Vecsey’s book focuses on how The New York Times covered religion in the wake of 9/11
• Colgate professor Peter Balakian explores 9/11 in book of poems
• Jane Brogan ’02 is planning project manager at World Trade Center site
• Francesca Zambello ’78 directs San Francisco Opera production that features WTC hero