One of the most honored traditions at Lone Star College-University Park is the annual 9/11 ceremony that memorializes those who died in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The ceremony also recognizes those who serve as first responders.

This year, the college didn’t let COVID-19 get in the way of the ceremony. A short video commemoration was produced and shared with the entire college community, and a virtual “9/11 Remembrance” gathering was held with more than 120 LSC-University Park faculty, staff and students in attendance.

LSC-University Park President Dr. Shah Ardalan says that remembering the horrific events of 9/11 provides a learning experience for the college’s 12,500 students, as well as the entire college community. Ardalan also encourages them to use this as an opportunity to serve others if they are able.

“Our campus has a 9/11 Memorial and Reflections Garden Walk that was designed and installed by Hewlett Packard in 2002,” said Dr. Ardalan. “While that serves as a centerpiece to our in-person ceremony, today’s virtual ceremony was just as special. All participants had the opportunity to share their own history related to 9/11 and talk about its significance today. It was a moving ceremony.”

The remembrance video featured perspectives from Dr. Ardalan, Lone Star College System Police Chief Paul Willingham, LSC-University Park student and Navy veteran Chris Jordan, and LSC-University Park political science faculty member Laurie Mawyer.

“To me, the sense of unity that came out of (September 11, 2001) might be the biggest legacy of 9/11,” said Chief Willingham. “The fact that unity can and does exist is an important takeaway. I appreciate Lone Star College-University Park for every year faithfully remembering September 11, 2001.”

To watch the LSC-University Park 9/11 remembrance video, visit the college’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/lonestarcollegeup.