The 23rd anniversary of the catastrophic events of Sept. 11, 2001 is upon us. In remembrance of one of the darkest days in American history, Villanovan students, faculty and alumni will participate in numerous acts to pay homage.
Every year, Falvey Library displays a tribute with the names and photos of the Villanovans who were killed in the attacks. They are displayed with designs of the American flag.
The Corr Hall Chapel contains a stained glass window memorial which displays the Virgin Mary on one side and the Twin Towers on the other side, along with the Pentagon and the field of Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Underneath, the names of the 15 Villanovans who were killed in the attacks are written in Gothic letters. There are other details included, such as the flight numbers of the four planes, written in Roman Numerals. This window was designed by the late Rev. Richard Cannuli, who was “an Augustinian priest, an artist and a University professor, who served as a curator and director of the Villanova University Art Gallery.”
There is a number of events that Villanova University usually holds in remembrance. For example, Villanova’s Mission and Ministry typically holds a dedicated Mass either in the St. Thomas of Villanova Church or in the Corr Hall Chapel. During this Mass, Villanovans pay respects to each of the 15 Villanovans by reading their names aloud. Their names are as follows: W. David Bauer (‘78 VSB), James P. Berger (‘78 VSB), Dennis Michael Cook (‘90 CLAS), Jeannine Damiani-Jones (‘94 VSB), Christopher M. Dincuff (‘92 VSB), Jeffrey Mark Dingle (‘90 VSB), Christopher M. Duffy (‘00 VSB), William F. Fallon (‘70 CLAS), Peter Gelinas (‘90 VSB), Michael Gould (‘94 VSB), Amy Jarret (‘94 VSB), Jennifer Lynn Kane (‘97 VSB), Danielle Kousoulis (‘93 VSB), Kaaria Mbaya (‘86 CLAS) and Matthew Vianna (‘00 CLAS).
There are other Villanovans who experienced the 9/11 attacks, such as Michael Benfante, who wrote a book titled “Reluctant Hero” and spoke at Villanova on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. His book and his speech both describe his heroic actions on that day. He, alongside a coworker, carried a woman in a wheelchair down 68 flights of stairs in order to help her escape the collapsing building. His book, alongside other 9/11 related publications, is located at Falvey Library and is accessible for students.
Over the course of the last two decades, Villanova has participated in plenty of activities to not only remember the victims of 9/11 but also to support those who have been affected by the attacks in any way. For example, in 2016, Villanova’s basketball team, which was the reigning national champion, took part in a basketball tournament specifically dedicated to the Family Freedom Foundation. The reason the team participated in this tournament, which was called the “Never Forget Tribute Classic” was to benefit and support the children of 9/11 victims. (https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/villanova-will-play-in-tourney-to-benefit-children-of-911-victims/)
Villanova is a school that is strongly dedicated to not only remembering the victims of the horrible events that happened 23 years ago, but also to making a difference for the future. Paying respects with events such as the Mass, hosting speakers, including books about it in the library, having designs that pay homage to the victims and participating in events to benefit families of victims all signify a respect and care for the victims of that fateful day.
