Cornerstone University Community Remembers 9/11 to Never Forget
Nearly 3,000 lives were lost in America on September 11, 2001 — a day that changed the course of American history. On Thursday, September 11, the Cornerstone University community of students, faculty and staff paused to remember those lives and honor the courage of first responders during a special service at the Clock Tower on campus.
“Today, we remember the thousands of lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the courage of first responders and military service members who served on that day. We also pray for the Kirk family and the Utah students impacted by the assassination of Charlie Kirk at their college campus. May we never forget, and may we continue to raise a new generation committed to Christ, faith, boldness, service, truth, beauty, and goodness in and for our nation,” expresses President Gerson Moreno-Riaño on this significant moment in our country.
At 9 a.m., classes and morning activities came to a halt for a brief 15-minute program of reflection and prayer. Just as life was interrupted 24 years ago, the university “interrupted” its schedule to make the importance of remembrance relevant today. Students received “Never Forget” bracelets and small American flags as tangible symbols to carry throughout the day.
The service featured reflections from Cornerstone faculty and staff who were directly impacted by the events of 9/11, including a first responder and a veteran.
A call to service influenced Dr. Kevin Hall, associate vice president for academic and student experience. Seeing the attacks unfold and watching fighter jets protect Air Force One over his Ohio hometown inspired his resolve to serve, leading to more than a decade in Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement before entering higher education leadership.
The heartfelt testimony from Retired Army Chaplain LTC Michael DeRienzo offered a solemn reminder of sacrifice, resilience, and the hope we have in those who serve as “rescuers.” Students heard about a first responder rescuing New Yorkers from the World Trade Center, a wounded soldier serving in Iraq in the years that followed the attacks, and finally about our greatest Rescuer, Jesus Christ, who provides the only real hope for a fallen world.
In addition to prayers of gratitude for those who have served and are currently serving our nation, the service also included a time of prayer for the family of Charlie Kirk and the students present during the shooting in Utah. He passed as he had lived, as an American patriot and commentator, engaging with civility with students about American and Christian virtues, calling the world to follow Christ.
Together, the Cornerstone community reaffirmed the pledge made in 2001 — to never forget — and to entrust the nation’s future and ultimate redemption for the world through Jesus.
