UML to Host Remembrance Ceremony for Victims of 9/11

Ceremony will mark 20th anniversary to honor members of the university community lost in the attacks.

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 9, 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: “Unity,” UMass Lowell’s outdoor memorial sculpture to the victims of Sept. 11. The installation is located behind Leitch Residence Hall, 111 Pawtucket St., East Campus. Contact UML media relations for directions and parking information. As the event will take place outside, face coverings will not be required but may be worn if preferred.

WHAT: UML will honor the seven members of the university community and all other victims of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 with a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the tragedy.

The event will be held at UML’s memorial to the victims, which is located on the banks of the Merrimack River on the university’s East Campus, on land occupied by the university, city and Lowell National Historical Park. Called “Unity,” the unique circular-shaped memorial is inscribed with the names of those with ties to UML who perished on Sept. 11, 2001: Douglas Gowell ’71 of Methuen; Robert Hayes ’86 of Amesbury; Brian Kinney ’95 of Lowell; John Ogonowski ’72 of Dracut, who was the pilot of American Airlines Flight 11; Patrick Quigley IV of Wellesley, the husband of alumna Patricia Quigley ’86; Billerica native Jessica Leigh Sachs, daughter of UML alumni Stephen and Karen Sachs ’69; and Christopher Zarba ’79 of Hopkinton.

Originally dedicated in 2004, “Unity” was rededicated in 2011 for the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. The memorial was commissioned by UML and its student government association and was designed by UML graduates Gail Miller, Rebekah Hermans and Janet Wittlinger while they were enrolled in a course taught by James Coates.

Members of the victims’ families are expected to attend the event, which is scheduled to include remarks by U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan; state Rep. Thomas Golden, a UML graduate; UML Chancellor Jacquie Moloney; Campus Minister Rev. Imogene Stulken; and National Park Service Acting Deputy Regional Director Celeste Bernardo. The UML Chamber Singers and music students Olivia Minchello of Lowell and Cristian Ramos Delgado of Methuen will perform the national anthem and other selections.