Northwestern Dedicated Memorial for 9/11 Alumni Victims

The university honored six alumni lost in the September 11 terrorist attacks with a new stone plaque in Evanston.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in College Applications

Northwestern Dedicated Memorial for 9/11 Alumni Victims

Northwestern University has dedicated a new memorial at the Alice Millar Chapel to honor six alumni who were killed during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The permanent tribute recognizes the lives of individuals lost in the tragedy.

Why it matters

The installation of this memorial provides a long-awaited site of reflection for the university community to honor their alumni. It serves as a tangible link to the legacy of those lost during the 25th anniversary year of the attacks.

The stone memorial honors six alumni killed in the 2001 attacks, including individuals who were on the 78th and 100th floors of the World Trade Center. Fundraising for the project was finalized in 2025.

The players

Northwestern University

This is a private research university located in Evanston that served as the alma mater for the six individuals honored by the memorial.

Sara Ader

She served as one of the two lead organizers who spearheaded the effort to create and fund the university memorial.

Inci Ulgur

She collaborated with Sara Ader to lead the campaign for the creation and installation of the memorial.

The details

The memorial is a stone plaque permanently installed in the Alice Millar Chapel memorial garden. The project was led by Sara Ader and Inci Ulgur following a successful university-led fundraising campaign.

September 11, 2001: Terrorist attacks killed six Northwestern alumni.
2025: Fundraising for the memorial was completed.
March 2026: The memorial stone was installed.
October 9, 2026: The dedication ceremony occurred.

Culture Shift

The university's effort reflects a broader trend of institutions marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks by establishing permanent campus tributes. This move shifts the institutional legacy toward collective remembrance of the tragedy.

Residents and students can visit the Alice Millar Chapel memorial garden to view the plaque and pay their respects. The site is now a permanent addition to the campus landscape for those visiting the Evanston area.

The takeaway

Memorials such as this serve to anchor the history of a community to a physical space on campus. Visitors to Evanston are encouraged to observe the garden as a quiet place for reflection and historical remembrance.