University commemorates lives lost during solemn September 11th ceremony

The University of Houston community gathered this morning to pay tribute to the lives lost and forever changed by the tragic events of 9/11. Held at the World Trade Center Memorial on the south lawn of the Student Center, the solemn ceremony was a moment of reflection, remembrance, and unity. This day marked the 23rd anniversary of the attacks that shaped a generation.

The ceremony commenced at 9 a.m. with the Posting of Colors by the UH Army and Air Force ROTC Cadet Color Guard, signifying the beginning of a respectful and moving tribute. A series of speakers followed, laying roses at the base of the World Trade Center artifact, a permanent memorial that honors nearly 3,000 victims of the attack while reflecting on the strength and resilience that emerged in its aftermath.

UH is the only university in Texas with an artifact from the World Trade Center—a 3,888-pound steel beam retrieved from ground zero. As Dean of Students Donell Young expressed, acquiring this piece was a monumental task that took nearly five years of dedicated work.

“It shows the tenacity of our students,” Young remarked. “Our Student Government Association president in 2009 and several others worked passionately alongside our former vice president for student affairs. They reached out to the New York and New Jersey Port Authority, and after years of persistence, we were able to bring this symbol of resilience to our campus in 2014.”

Young noted that this effort reflected the same resilience that defined the nation after 9/11.

“It took almost five years of perseverance, but the dedication of those students and staff brought this dream to fruition. Every day, I walk past this steel beam, and it reminds me not just of tragedy but also courage and unity that followed,” he said. The artifact, he emphasized, is a permanent reminder of the university’s connection to history and responsibility to keep alive memories.

The memory of 9/11 is not just historical—it’s a reminder of resilience defining community members like students who worked tirelessly to bring a piece from ground zero to campus and veterans who continue serving their country long after military careers have ended.

“Our work with veterans is critical,” Young said. “Our Veterans Services Office serves over 3,000 military-affiliated students on campus, providing them with supportive community resources and mentorship ensuring success.”

Young described Veteran Services Office as where veterans' families build belongingness: “It’s more than academic support,” he said. “We offer everything from peer mentorships financial assistance social events like barbecues breakfasts; it's space where veterans relax connect share experiences feel home.”

Students utilizing offered services tend performing better academically feeling connected university community: “Veteran Services Office plays vital role ensuring military-affiliated students succeed both academically personally,” he said tying broader mission helping all students belong thrive.”

As ceremony closed Young invited audience viewing “Remembering 9/11” photo exhibit visual tribute lost continuing serve TAPS echoed crowd Retirement Colors marking conclusion deeply moving event.