Oxford College Commemorates 25 Years Since September 11
Twenty-five years to the day, Oxford College remembers the tragic events of September 11, 2001, honoring survivors and victims and reflecting on the event's national impact.
“In the days and weeks that followed, we saw something remarkable emerge from the ashes of that tragedy: neighbors helping neighbors, strangers becoming family, and a nationwide instinct to serve and care for one another. That is why we're here today,” reflected Dean Molly McGehee. “The National Day of Service and Remembrance asks us to turn a day of tragedy into a day of good—to transform grief into purpose.”
Building on that mission, Oxford marks its second year partnering with the 9/11 Day Foundation. With the nonprofit’s support, the college has expanded its community service initiatives, strengthened local partnerships and allowed students to participate in meaningful service activities and turn the day of remembrance into a day of action.
This year’s Day of Service extended beyond a single day, lasting the entire weekend, starting on Friday, September 11. Though a somber occasion, the day also served as a powerful moment of reflection and learning.
“I deeply value the symbolism and meaning behind events like these. As someone who plans to serve as a nurse in the Army, I hope to dedicate my life to caring for and protecting others. Remembering the sacrifice of the brave first responders who lost their lives serving others is something I feel a strong responsibility to uphold.”
Twenty-five years later, the weight of history hung heavy as local first responders, the Oxford community and even students, most of whom were not even born when the tragedy unfolded, came together to remember and reflect. For those young minds, looking back wasn't just a textbook lesson; it was a way of connecting to a day that shaped the world they inherited.
That spirit of remembrance spilled out of the classrooms and into the heart of Oxford for a deeply moving milestone: the community's very first stair climb in Seney Hall. Fifty dedicated participants stepped up to the challenge, ascending 110 stories. With each of those 2,200 steps matching the towering height of the World Trade Center, they felt just a fraction of the burden carried by the heroes of that day.
“While the stair climb could not fully replicate those exact conditions,” said Duncan, “the exhaustion I felt while climbing gave me a deeper appreciation for the physical and mental strength required of the first responders that day.”
Step by step, these participants didn't just climb a building here on our campus; they ensured that the sacrifice of the first responders who died that day is never forgotten.
This wasn’t the only way to honor those lives lost and support the community. Each project in this year's events targeted a specific community need and provided volunteers with a meaningful way to contribute.
"Through our efforts today... we're able to tackle some of the challenges that we face as a community together. And by doing that, we're honoring the legacy of those that we lost."
With the help of numerous community partners, the activities spanned a wide range of collaborative efforts, including
- Supporting the “Covington Police who Care” Fuzz Run, volunteers staffed water stations
- Trail Maintenance and restoration with the City of Oxford and Reforest Atlanta.
- Participating in Sack Lunch Saturday in partnership with the Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal, the Covington Housing Authority and Repairers of the Breach.
- Assembling sandwiches for the Community Fridge alongside students and staff from Volunteer Emory.
- Packing weekend meal kits for children experiencing food insecurity, in partnership with Giving Hands Food Pantry and Newton County Schools.
- Preparing menstrual kits with faculty and staff, including our own Dean Molly McGehee.
- Distributing food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity in partnership with Giving Hands Food Pantry.
By engaging in meaningful service, the Oxford community upheld 9/11's legacy of unity and showed that even in tragedy, hope and kindness not only endure, but they also grow stronger. From Oxford’s inaugural stair climb to efforts to restore natural areas and assemble food and hygiene kits, every act of service this weekend contributed to a broader network of compassion and connection, reflecting the spirit of our community and our identity as Oxford College.