Photo Essay
9/11 Commemorative Activities

More than 3,000 students, faculty, staff and community members at UW-Eau Claire drop rose petals off a footbridge into the Chippewa River to remember the victims of September 11. (UW-Eau Claire)

UW System campuses organized diverse and poignant programs to mark the events of Sept. 11, 2001. One year later, campuses again paid tribute to the victims with activities that illustrated the progress and search for understanding found throughout the UW System.

UW-Eau Claire faculty, staff and students met for a ceremony at the campus footbridge, where trumpeters played "Taps" as attendees dropped 3,000 rose petals into the Chippewa River to honor the victims.

In keeping with the nation's resolve to return to normalcy, UW-Green Bay held commemorative activities on Sept. 10. Holding the events a day before the anniversary allowed the campus t5o mark Sept. 11 as a stronger and more unified community.

UW-La Crosse observed Sept. 11 with memorial and educational opportunities, including speakers and a candlelight vigil. The events allowed students to process what happened the year before and how it will shape the future.

UW-Madison welcomed students and the community to participate in two days of commemorative programs, including remarks from Chancellor John Wiley. The campus also hosted panel discussions, a candlelight vigil and a procession to the State Capitol.

UW-Milwaukee's candlelight vigil drew hundreds of people from the campus, neighborhood and Milwaukee community. The ceremony included remarks from Chancellor Nancy Zimpher and a tree planting.

Baraboo Police Chief Dennis K. Kluge offers his expressions of hope during UW-Baraboo/Sauk County's community observance of 9/11, entitled "Remembrance and Hope." The program included expressions of hope from Baraboo police, fire and school officials, a veteran and students representing local elementary, middle and high schools, as well as the campus. (UW-Baraboo/Sauk County)

UW-Oshkosh observed Sept. 11 with quiet, reflective events that Chancellor Richard Wells said allowed everyone to remember the day in their own way. Students, faculty and staff were invited to a "Moment of Reflection and Silence," as well as a candlelight vigil.

UW-Parkside remembered the victims by dedicating a sugar maple, the state tree of both New York and Wisconsin. Campus artists displayed related works, and campus musicians marked the day with commemorative performances.

UW-Platteville honored the victims with 11 bell chimes from the 130-year-old "Old Normal Bell" during a candlelight vigil. The campus was invited to join the surrounding community at City Park for a commemorative evening titled "Platteville Remembers."

UW-River Falls began the day with remarks by Chancellor Ann Lydecker and musical performances. Students, faculty and staff were also invited to a quiet reflection room where they offered comments at a remembrance and reflection wall.

UW-Stevens Point Chancellor Tom George marked the anniversary by hosting a faculty discussion about the events. The campus community was invited to take a voluntary moment of silence the morning of Sept. 11 and attend a candlelight vigil.

UW-Stout commemorated Sept. 11 by tolling bells to honor the victims, displaying related art, photography and poetry in the campus Birch Gallery and hosting a community-wide candlelight memorial.

UW-Superior community members gathered at the campus Peace Pole for a ceremony that included a tree planting and remarks by Chancellor Julius Erlenbach.

A coalition of UW-Whitewater student organizations sponsored a public discussion on Sept. 11 including the showing of video footage relating to the incidents. WSUW Campus Radio also aired a one-hour live discussion about the anniversary with a panel of political science faculty.

Several UW Colleges campuses also hosted community-wide events on 9/11.

At UW-Platteville, members of the campus community held a candlelight vigil in honor of the 9/11 victims. (UW-Platteville)

Members of the U.S. armed forces bow their heads to remember and honor the victims of the terrorist attacks during a ceremony at UW-River Falls. (UW-River Falls)