Students from Rice University’s Naval ROTC program hosted an inaugural stair climb at Rice Stadium this morning at 6 a.m. to honor the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks, which happened on this day 23 years ago. Participants, including dozens of ROTC members and other university students, ascended and descended the stadium stairs 28 times for a total of 2,200 steps — equivalent to the height of the World Trade Center’s 110 stories.
Midshipman Executive Officer Thara Venkateswaran, a senior majoring in neuroscience and cognitive sciences, co-organized the event. “As future service members, we are deeply committed to serving our country,” she said. “On Sept. 11, countless brave first responders gave their lives to save others. It is crucial that we remember and honor their selfless sacrifice, as well as the thousands of victims, on this solemn day.”
“Most Rice undergraduate students were born after 9/11, so it was great to see the Rice community come together and honor those who lost their lives 23 years ago,” said Kai Hartman, the midshipman commanding officer who helped organize the event. “This event was the first time we opened it to all of Rice, and this is definitely something that we want to continue to host annually. We really appreciate everyone who made this event possible and to all the people who came out early in the morning to participate.”
‘9/11/01 In Memoriam’ tribute concert
The Shepherd School of Music will host “9/11/01 In Memoriam,” a tribute concert honoring the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001. Tonight’s event, held in the Edythe Bates Old Recital Hall at 7 p.m., will feature the 60-voice Rice Chorale, led by musical director Thomas Jaber. The chorale is composed of voice and music majors as well as talented singers from Rice and the Greater Houston community.
For this year’s remembrance, the ensemble will present a dynamic selection of works that span both patriotic and sacred themes, including Mendelssohn’s powerful aria “Ye People, Rend Your Hearts/If With All Your Hearts” and Schubert’s graceful Mass in G Major, D. 167. Accompanying the chorale is organist Marshall Joos along with solo performances from student singers.
Jaber first started this annual event in 2002 on the first anniversary of 9/11.
“I was contacted about participating in a ‘rolling requiem’ that would begin when the first plane struck the tower,” Jaber said. “That morning, about 120 singers gathered quietly in Stude Concert Hall and we performed Mozart’s ‘Requiem’ to a small but reverent audience.”
Since that first concert, Rice Chorale has held this tribute nearly every year.
“We stop, reflect and sing,” Jaber said. “Though the novelty of a ‘rolling requiem’ went away after 2002, I offer my deepest gratitude to thousands of those who have listened and sung and played ... and to those who will do it yet once again tonight.”
The concert is free and open to the public. You can find more information about the event here.
Rice students to host 9/11 memorial ceremony Sept. 15
Rice University students will host a solemn memorial ceremony to commemorate the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and honor the sacrifices of first responders. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, Sept. 15 at 2 p.m. at the Rice Memorial Center Chapel and will be followed by a flag-raising ceremony in Ray Courtyard.
“It is an opportunity for the Rice University community and the broader public to unite in solidarity against global terrorism,” said Rice engineering student Warren Weissbluth, one of the event organizers.
The ceremony will open with a performance of the national anthem by a Rice Shepherd School of Music’s Brass Quintet. The event will include a series of brief, poignant speeches from city of Houston Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum, Rice Police Chief Clemente Rodriguez, sociology faculty member Craig Considine and Weissbluth.
Remarks will be followed by a flag-raising ceremony led by Jess Hutcheson of the 82nd Airborne Division. The event will conclude with a mini flag placement ceremony. Attendees, including guest speakers, will participate in a symbolic act of remembrance by placing small flags or flowers arranged in the shape of “9/11” to honor the fallen.
The event is open to all students, staff, faculty and members of the public. Weissbluth said first responders, police officers, firefighters, health care workers and their families are especially encouraged to attend.
“We are honored to come together to honor their bravery and service,” Weissbluth said.