The Southern Connecticut State University community gathered on the Academic Quad on September 11 to mark the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost and reflecting on the lasting impact of that day.
The outdoor observance brought together students, faculty, staff, university leadership, veterans, and members of University Police for personal reflections, a lowering of the American flag, a musical performance, and moments of silence.
Interim President Sandra Bulmer welcomed the community and reflected on the responsibility of carrying the meaning of September 11 forward through service, compassion, and a commitment to one another.
“It is all of our responsibility to ensure that this hope becomes reality — through service and a commitment to building community,” Bulmer said. “We can make our own contribution to creating a future built on peace and understanding for all.”
The observance also honored two Southern alumni — Angel Pena, ’79, and Seth Morris, ’89 — who were killed in the collapse of the World Trade Center towers. Both were successful businessmen and fathers who met their future wives while students at Southern.
Britt Conroy, coordinator of Veteran, Military and Adult Learning Support, offered an invocation and personal reflection before Southern Police Chief Ken Rahn and Lt. Rich Anderson shared their own experiences connected to the response to September 11.
Both Rahn and Anderson responded to Ground Zero while serving with the Milford Police Department. Anderson, then a member of the department’s SWAT team, arrived in New York City on the evening of September 11 and spent the next six days near Ground Zero assisting with the emergency response.
Student veterans led a moment of silence and the lowering of the American flag, followed by reflections on September 11 from Dr. Jason Smith, associate professor of history, and a musical reflection from student vocalist Gen Brown. Conroy concluded the program with a closing reflection and charge to the campus community.
Rahn also responded to Ground Zero while serving with the Milford Police Department. Rahn and Anderson are among Southern’s current officers with firsthand connections to the response to September 11.
