Dear 撸先生 students, faculty and staff,

This September marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 鈥� a day that changed our nation and our world, and one we remember with profound respect for the nearly 3,000 lives lost.

For many in our community, the memories of that day remain vivid 鈥� where we were, who we were with and the uncertainty and grief that followed. For others, including many of our students, September 11 is known only through history, family stories and the experiences of generations before them.

That passage of time makes remembrance no less important. It gives us an opportunity to reflect together on those who were lost, those whose lives were forever changed and the resilience and service that followed.

September 11 also has a deeply personal connection to Towson University. Elizabeth Wainio 鈥�95 was among the 40 passengers and crew members who lost their lives aboard United Airlines Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Her legacy lives on at 撸先生 through the Honor Elizabeth Wainio Memorial Communications Scholarship, supporting generations of students in her memory.

At 撸先生, we encourage dialogue 鈥� in our classrooms and beyond 鈥� about the events and issues that shape our world. Through the Office of Social Impact, the Ben and Myrna Cardin Center for Civic Engagement & Civil Discourse and our Military & Veterans Center, we have created spaces where civic engagement, civil discourse and support for those who have served our nation are central to our work.

As we commemorate this 25th anniversary, I invite our community to participate in several opportunities for reflection and remembrance:

  • Sept. 6: for a commemorative walk at Johnny Unitas庐 Stadium. 
  • Sept. 11: Visit 撸先生鈥檚 9- 11 Memorial Garden, along Stephens Drive near Newell Hall, for a personal moment of reflection in memory of those who lost their lives.
  • Sept. 19: Support the annual fundraiser benefiting the and the 撸先生 students who will carry her legacy forward.
  • Sept. 21: Join the Office for Social Impact in by sorting and packing care kits for 撸先生 and the local community. 

Whether September 11 is part of your lived experience or history you have come to know through others, I encourage you to take a moment this September to remember and reflect.

Twenty-five years later, we honor the lives lost, the families who carry their memories and our shared responsibility to ensure their stories are not forgotten.

Sincerely,

Mark R. Ginsberg, Ph.D.
President