As the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11 approaches, Pace University officials are planning panels and vigils, just as administrators at other colleges and universities are doing across the country. Pace, however, was on the front lines of the tragedy as its main New York City campus is mere blocks from ground zero.
Four of its students and 43 alumni perished that day. The students were in the World Trade Center towers, either at jobs or internships, and alumni were working in offices there. Hundreds more with connections to the university were injured. Pace’s World Trade Institute and Conference Center was on the 55th floor of the North Tower.
The debris-covered campus became a safe harbor after the attacks. It provided shelter for people fleeing the towers. The admissions office served as a triage center for rescue crews. Law enforcement officers, National Guard troops and volunteers gathered in the cafeteria.
Ten years later, Pace has not only bounced back, but expanded. Enrollment is up. It is in a prime location for watching the controversial rebuilding of ground zero, which will include skyscrapers, a memorial, museum, and transportation hub. Pace will hold a series of events to mark 9/11, including what is being billed as New York City’s most comprehensive exhibit of media images of the attack and aftermath. Titled “Witness to Tragedy and Recovery,” it will be shown today through Sept. 24 (closed Sept. 11, 15 and 22).
Today, a panel of photographers and analysts will discuss the impact of the images from 9/11 with Aaron Brown, who was a CNN anchor during the 9/11 attacks. Pace also plans to hold two other symposiums, an art exhibit and candlelight student vigils.
“There are still people at Pace with painful memories,” says Christopher Cory, executive director of public information and a co-chairman of the photo exhibit. “It’s hard to look at these pictures again.”
Universities are exploring 9/11 from many angles this year — social, cultural, literary, political, religious, anthropological and journalistic, among others. Schools also are bringing in politicians, academicians, law enforcement officials and victims’ relatives to share their thoughts. They also are holding memorial services and offering students counseling.
