High Point University students place American flags near a large flagpole at Patriots Plaza on campus Monday morning.
HIGH POINT, N.C., Sept. 11, 2023 – High Point University students remembered the nearly 3,000 lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, participating in a stair run fundraiser and planting American flags on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
Students ran up and down the steps of Cottrell Amphitheater on Sunday as part of a memorial honoring the 2,977 victims who were killed when planes struck the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field 22 years ago. The stair run also honors the firefighters and first responders who lost their lives in the attacks.
HPU’s Student Government Association is donating $20 for every student who participated in the stair run, for a total donation of $4,000 to the Tunnels to Tower Foundation.
Students planted about 2,500 American flags in HPU’s Patriots Plaza to recognize the anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
“At High Point University, students value and appreciate the opportunity to commemorate those who lost their lives on 9/11,” said Hannah Parson, president of HPU’s Student Government Association. “While this year marks the 22nd anniversary since that day, there are still many students who may have a connection to the attacks – a family member, a neighbor, a friend. We create a space for students to participate in the remembrance each year, whether that be through our annual stair run and donation or the flag planting ceremony.”
Approximately 3,000 pounds of steel originally used to construct the Twin Towers in New York were installed last year in the High Point University letters, along with the “God. Family. Country.” letters, in the concourse of the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center.