September 11 service to be held

The attack on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, hit the United States in a way which had once seemed unimaginable.

To honor those that were lost, a morning service will be held Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at the September 11 memorial in the Oak Grove.

The memorial is a 13-foot steel beam, taken from the World Trade Center and donated to the school by the Kovalchick Family.

At the service, IUP President Michael Driscoll will begin with opening remarks on the tragedy. Afterwards, there will be a performance by IUP musicians, followed by remarks from Student Government Association President President Taylor Billman. At 8:46 a.m., there will be a moment of silence to observe the time when the first plane struck the North Tower 11 years ago. The event is planned to continue for roughly a half hour.

There has been an annual memorial service since the attacks occurred; for IUP, however, the tragedy hits closer to home.

Three alumni, 1979 graduate William Moskal, 1980 graduate Donald Jones and 1993 graduate William Sugra were working in the World Trade Center at the time of the attacks, and lost their lives.

While both Jones and Sugra were working in the North Tower, Moskal was visiting the building for a business meeting.

All three victims are commemorated on a plaque beside the on-campus memorial.

For many, the event will be a reminder of how important it is for everyone in the country to stand and support one another; such is the case with Mandy Florez (freshman, food and nutrition).

“People seem to forget the tragic events that happened that day,” Florez said. “I feel like the 
memorial services that are held are a way to bring everyone together to honor those who lost their lives. It’s a way of living up to our country’s name as the ‘United’ States of America.”
For others, like Jessica Pisani (freshman, education and education technologies), the attacks take on a more personal significance.

Jessica, who had previously lived in New York City, witnessed plumes of smoke surrounding the World Trade Center from her elementary school.

Despite observing this harrowing sight, seeing the 9/11 tribute, and attending the memorial service, helps to fill her with hope.  
“It shows the unity we have in our country, and the unity we all share here at IUP,” Pisani said.