Misericordia University Commemorates 25th Anniversary of 9/11

Campus Community and Local First Responders Unite to Honor the Lives and Sacrifices of September 11, 2001

DALLAS, Pa. — Misericordia University students, faculty, staff and local first responders gathered at Mangelsdorf Field on Friday, Sept. 11, for a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb honoring the lives lost in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The event brought the campus and surrounding communities together for a morning of remembrance and reflection on the 25th anniversary of the attacks. First responders from the Back Mountain and Sweet Valley Volunteer Fire Company participated alongside members of the Misericordia community, climbing the stadium stairs in tribute to the firefighters and other emergency personnel who responded to the World Trade Center.

Among those participating in firefighting gear were Misericordia University faculty member John R. Ash, MHA, Ph.D., FACHE, Associate Professor of Business and Healthcare Administration Program Director, and his son, Matt Ash, a graduate assistant at Misericordia University. Both participated in their Sweet Valley Volunteer Fire Company uniforms, bringing a personal connection between the University community and the local first responders being represented at the event.

The symbolic climb recognized the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. The first 343 participants who registered were assigned the name of a fallen firefighter to carry with them during the climb, with participants also able to request to climb in honor of a specific firefighter. 

Participants were invited to complete the full stair climb or a portion of it, while others showed their support by volunteering or attending. The climb took place from 8 to 11 a.m. at Mangelsdorf Field on Misericordia University's Dallas campus. 

The participation of local first responders added special significance to the commemoration, connecting the sacrifices of those who responded on 9/11 with the men and women who continue to serve communities throughout the region today.

Misericordia University also commemorated the anniversary with a “Walk for Peace” at the campus labyrinth behind the Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy building. Members of the campus community were invited to walk the labyrinth in silence in remembrance of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

The sacred circular walking path, which represents one’s spiritual journey, has been part of the Misericordia campus for 25 years through the Sisters of Mercy. The labyrinth is available to students, faculty and staff throughout the year as a place for prayer, meditation and reflection.