UH Remembers 9/11

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 the nearly 3,000 victims of the attack, while reflecting on the strength and resilience that emerged in the 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, one 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 the tragedy, but also of the courage and unity that followed,” he said. The artifact, he emphasized, is a permanent reminder of the university’s connection to history and the responsibility to keep the memory of those lost alive.

The memory of 9/11 is not just a historical moment—it’s a reminder of the resilience that defines the community, from the students who worked tirelessly to bring a piece of ground zero to campus to the veterans who continue to serve their country long after their military careers have ended.

“Our work with veterans is a critical part of what we do,” Young said. “Our Veterans Services Office serves over 3,000 military-affiliated students on campus, providing them with a supportive community, resources and mentorship to ensure their success.”

Young described the Veteran Services Office as a place where veterans and their families can come together to build a sense of belonging. “It’s more than just academic support,” he said. “We offer everything from peer mentorship to financial assistance and even social events like barbecues and breakfasts. It’s a space where veterans can relax, connect with others who share their experiences, and feel at home.”

Young said that students who take advantage of the services offered tend to perform better academically and feel more connected to the university community. “The Veteran Services Office plays a vital role in ensuring that our military-affiliated students succeed, both academically and personally,” he said. “It ties into our broader mission to help all students feel a sense of belonging and thrive.”

As the ceremony came to a close, Young invited the audience to view the “Remembering 9/11” photo exhibit, a visual tribute to those who were lost and those who continue to serve. TAPS echoed through the crowd, followed by the Retirement of the Colors, marking the conclusion of a deeply moving event.