Fisher Students Lead Community-Wide 9/11 Remembrance

To honor the 25th anniversary of the tragedy of September 11, 2001, over 200 Fisher students, faculty, and staff, as well as first responders and community members, joined together to participate in the first annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

The Kearney Hall the steps were filled with members of the Fisher campus community, Brighton Fire Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Troopers, local dignitaries, and the Greater Rochester community before participants climbed the equivalent of 110 stories in Kearney Hall, 13 trips up and down from the first to fourth floor. Each climber wore a tag displaying the name and photo of a fallen first responder as they made the trips up and down.

The remembrance began with a performance by the ROC City Guardians Pipes and Drums before sophomores and co-planners Connor Brown and Tyler Hildreth opened the program with a welcome and a prayer. Attendees also heard from local officials and University leadership.

“Connor, Tyler, and the more than 200 participants in today’s climb embody what it means to lead with purpose, integrity, and impact,” said Dr. Gerard Rooney, president of St. John Fisher. “Their leadership has – and does – inspire us as individuals and as a campus community to gather and share in our patriotism and respect for those whose lives were lost that day, and to recognize and remember the courage and service shown by so many, including members of our Fisher family.”

John LoTemple, Fisher’s director of safety and security, was at the beginning of his career as a New York State Trooper on September 11, 2001 and was deployed to Ground Zero to help. 

“What I remember most was the unity. People lined the streets cheering first responders. There were candlelight vigils, pictures of missing loved ones, and volunteers on nearly every corner. People from every background came together to help complete strangers. That is the lesson I carry with me from September 11,” said LoTemple. “Today, we may have disagreements and differences, but we don’t have to wait for tragedy to come together. We can choose compassion, respect, and unity every day.”

Local leaders including New York State Assemblymember Jennifer Lunsford, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, and Pittsford Town Supervisor Bill Smith also gave remarks. Each shared memories of where they were 25 years ago and words of admiration for the student leaders and student participants’ dedication to continuing the legacy and memory of those lost, especially as they were not yet born when the tragedy took hold of the nation. 

As participants prepared to climb, they observed a moment of silence, followed by the playing of Taps by alumnus Vincenzo Perfetti ’26 and a blessing by Deacon Jonathon Schott ’02, director of campus ministry programs.

Brown, who completed the climb in full, 80 pound firefighter uniform, led participants to the climb, leaving them with a final word of reflection and encouragement. 

“What happened on September 11, 2001, is now history for many of us — but remembering it is our responsibility. Many of us standing here today weren’t alive to witness it. But we can still say their names. We can still support the men and women who put on a uniform and serve our communities every day. And we can make sure the generations after us understand why we promised to never forget,” said Brown. “So, as we head to the stairs, don’t worry about who finishes first or how quickly you get there. Take in the moment. Look at the name you are carrying. Look at the people climbing beside you. And remember why we are here.”

The event was sponsored by Davis-Ulmer Fire Protection, Wegmans, Chobani, Bowers CPAs, Mission BBQ, Pepsi, Club Colors, Fisher Dining, the St. John Fisher University Student Government Association, and Roc City Guardians Pipes and Drums. Several campus partners also supported the event.

Proceeds supported the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which was started in memory of FDNY firefighter, Stephen Siller, to support families of Gold Star and fallen first responders.