The Iona University community gathered to remember the 15 Iona alumni who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, as well as four others who died subsequently due to related illnesses.

Following an opening performance by the Iona Pipers, students, faculty, staff, and guests joined in interfaith prayers for peace. The ceremony took place in Iona’s Memorial Park, located in the courtyard outside of Ryan Library, and included a laying of the wreath.

“Today in 2024, we have reached a point in time when most of our Iona students, if not all of them, were not yet born when the events of September 11th took place. Yet as each year passes, the importance of sharing the stories of 9/11 with the next generation – and remembering and honoring all those who perished and served in various capacities – grows only more important,” said Sean D’Alfonso, Ed.D., director of the Office of Mission & Ministry. “As we come together today as a community of many faiths, we also take time to pray as a community for a more peaceful world and an end to violence in all forms.”

Student Government Association President Olivia Murillo ’25 led the reading of names honoring the lives of the Iona alumni lost on 9/11. Remembered were Thomas W. Hohlweck Jr. ’74 MBA; Joseph P. Kellett ’96; Michael A. Lepore ’84; Laura M. Longing ’94 MBA; Michael F. Lynch ’94; Francis N. McGuinn ’83 MBA; Dennis P. McHugh ’90; Michael E. McHugh Jr. ’95; Robert McPadden ’99 MS; Diana J. O’Connor ’86 ’89 MBA; Joseph R. Riverso ’91; Edward Ryan ’81; Joseph Spor ’88; Sean P. Tallon ’96 and Joanna Vidal '96.

Iona also remembered first responders who heroically served on September 11 and have since passed away, especially members of the alumni community Daniel R. Foley '95; Lieutenant Richard A. Nappi '86; Lieutenant Christopher M. Pupo '95 and James Ryan '84.

Leading the community in reflection was Br. Kevin Griffith '83, CFC, community partnership coordinator for service-learning. He reminded those in attendance of the importance of commemorating 9/11 with solemn dignity and reverence.

“In everyone’s lifetime, there are seminal events that transcend generations," Br. Kevin said." In the Hebrew tradition, the story of Passover is passed down from generation to generation." "In Christian tradition," he continued,"the story of Jesus’ passion, death and Resurrection is retold every Holy Week." "In the 20th Century," he noted,"we remember events like Pearl Harbor or JFK's assassination." "9/11 is a seminal moment," he concluded.

As part of concluding activities for this commemoration event was an exhibit showcasing photographs taken by John Botte—a former NYPD detective known widely for his work documenting aftermaths at Ground Zero post-September eleventh attacks

Founded back then around early forties (1940), today standing tall proudly master-granting private Catholic coeducational institution—Iona University operates under Edmund Rice Christian Brothers' traditional values rooted deeply within educational principles aiming towards justice-peace-service while promoting academic excellence across its diverse learner-scholar communities spanning over both New Rochelle-Bronxville campuses situated merely twenty miles northwards from Manhattan heartland city center having nearly four thousand enrolled students along with fifty thousand strong global alum base making notable recognitions within prestigious ranking listings such as Princeton Review Wall Street Journal among others alongside accredited programs across varied disciplines including liberal arts sciences business administration health sciences entrepreneurship innovation reflecting continuous growth evolution ultimately culminating into official status change from college-university effective July last year signifying enhanced academic program offerings elevated educational prestige overall stature reaffirming commitment delivering quality education fostering holistic development nurturing future leaders ready face challenges ahead confidently competently responsibly contributing positively towards society at large