Members of the Iona University community gathered in front of Ryan Library on Sept. 12 for the annual commemoration of the victims of the 9/11 attacks 21 years ago. 

The Iona pipers began the ceremony, followed by words of welcome from Sean D’Alfonso, the director of the Office of Mission and Ministry. Four speakers then offered wisdom from different sacred traditions. Laura Fairchild, the associate director of the Office of Mission and Ministry, spoke along with Michelle Veyvoda, Ph.D.; Amal Alabbad, Ph.D. and junior campus minister Annika Ziels. 

Aidan Connolly, president of SGA, then read out the names of the Iona alumni who were victims of the 9/11 attacks. He was followed by Joseph Stabile, Ph.D., dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, who read a reflection.  

After President of Iona University Seamus Carey, Ph.D. laid flowers at the memorial, the Iona Singers performed a moving rendition of “God Bless America.” Lastly, Br. J. Kevin Devlin led a closing prayer. 

The following Iona University alumni were lost on 9/11:  

Thomas W. Hohlweck, Jr. ’74MBA; Joseph P. Keller ’96; Michael A. Lepore ’84; Laura M. Longing ’94MBA; Michael F. Lynch ’94 (FDNY); Francis N. McGuinn ’83MBA; Dennis P. McHugh ’90 (FDNY); Michael E. McHugh, Jr. ’95; Robert McPadden ’99MS (FDNY); Diana J. O’Conner ’86, ’89MBA; Joseph R. Riverso ’91; Edward Ryan ’81; Joseph Spor ’88 (FDNY); Sean P. Tallon ’96 (FDNY); and Joanna Vidal ’96. 

The following Iona University alumni served as first responders on 9/11 and have since died: 

Daniel Foley ’95, Lt. Richard A. Nappi ’86, Lt. Christopher M. Pupo ’95, and James Ryan ’84.