Remembering September 11

The New York Tech community is commemorating the 20th anniversary of the attacks on New York City’s World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, in a number of ways, including finding ways to dedicate it as a day of service, sharing videos from staff, remembering those from New York Tech who lost their lives, and sharing a special commemorative exhibition via digital signage on campus.

“A significant and meaningful way to pay tribute to those impacted by 9/11 is to serve the community in their honor and memory,” notes Amy Bravo, who oversees the Office of Career Success and Experiential Education. “There are many options to participate in campus or community events or in local volunteer initiatives through our relationship with Consultants for the Public Good.” Check the events calendar for upcoming civic engagement events and initiatives, including a student-faculty-staff September 11 Brooklyn Bridge tribute walk from 7 to 9 p.m.

In addition, four members of the community shared their individual recollections and insights via a commemorative video series:

Dean of Students Felipe Henao, who was in junior high school in 2001, describes chaos and confusion in his school and remembers the compassion and community in the days and months after the event that bonded the city together.

Director of Residence Life Susan Heim, who had been at New York Tech just two weeks prior to the attack, recalls the impact of 9/11 on her students who resided near the Brooklyn Promenade and how she was able to help them in their time of need.

Senior Media Support Specialist Linda Matthews remembers living near the World Trade Center during 9/11 along with the emotions and confusion in the city, and notes the important lessons she learned from that day.

Assistant Provost for Student Engagement and Development Tiffani Blake shares her college memories during the attacks of 9/11 and her hope that this season of commemorating the event 20 years later encourages feelings of resilience and compassion throughout the world.

Among the many lives lost that day were five New York Tech alumni, including two first responders:

• Robert DeAngelis (B.F.A. ’74 – Communication Arts)
• William Fallon (M.S. ’91 – Computer Science)
• Patrick Lyons (B.S. ’91 – Business Administration)
• Glen Pettit (B.F.A. ’95 – Communication Arts), NYPD Photographer
• Richard Prunty (B.S. ’79 – Behavioral Sciences), FDNY Second Battalion Chief

A digital exhibition from the 9/11 Memorial and Museum will run on digital signs over the course of the week, thanks to the efforts of Associate Dean of Student Life Patricia Napolitano.