September 22, 2021
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks and to raise funds for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, members of Gamma Phi Beta and Sigma Pi participated in a symbolic stair climb fundraising event held under grey skies at the Queens, NY, campus of St. John’s University on September 16.
More than 60 St. John’s students, as well as local representatives from the New York Police Department and Fire Department of New York, were in attendance. The event began with the tolling of bells and a prayer followed by a moment of silence. The group then ascended and descended the long staircase leading to the Residence Village to commemorate and express solidarity with what first responders experienced 20 years ago.
“We walk the stairs with the firefighters in remembrance of what happened on 9/11,” said Gregory Auteri, President, Sigma Pi. “Being from New York City, this day means a lot to us. We thank the firefighters, police officers, and first responders as we remember the lives lost. That day was an attack on New York City, on the United States, and on the entire world.”
Wren Florenz, a junior majoring in Advertising Communication and a member of Gamma Phi Beta, said she felt blessed to be a part of the sorority and proud to pay tribute to all of those who lost their lives on 9/11. “Terrorism can be defeated,” she said. “It’s a long journey, of course, but it’s possible if we work at it.”
Grace Browne, President, Gamma Phi Beta, and a senior majoring in Government and Politics, was optimistic about the funds raised for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. “Sigma Pi raised $1,400 online and Gamma Phi Beta is still fundraising,” she stated. “While walking up and down the stairs, I felt that if I can get this tired by climbing 25 steps, I can’t imagine what the victims and the first responders went through.”
“It is moving to see the first responders here since they are connected to people who were in Manhattan that day and risked and lost their lives,” said Courtney Bedingfield, Gamma Phi Beta Philanthropy Chairperson and a senior majoring in Photography. “Today we pay tribute to the solidarity, compassion, and courage demonstrated by those who responded to the events that unfolded on September 11, 2001.”
Related News
St. John’s Breaks Ground on New Basketball Facility and Recreational Upgrades
Construction will soon begin on a new basketball practice facility on St. John’s University’s Queens, NY, campus that serves as the first step in the renovation and modernization of student recreational resources.
New Chief of Public Safety Is at Home at St. John’s
A native of Hamden, CT, Dan Rhone grew up in the heart of BIG EAST Conference culture. When an opportunity emerged to direct the Department of Public Safety at St. John’s University, it was, as the longtime safety official said, a “layup” of a decision—that is, an easy choice.
Annual Move-In Weekend Celebrates the Next Generation of Johnnies
Carrying boxes, carts, and an abundance of enthusiasm, 2,627 resident students moved into St. John’s University’s Residence Village over Labor Day weekend.