51ÁÔÆæ Community Marks 25th Anniversary of Sept. 11
Published: September 10, 2026.
51ÁÔÆæ commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with a ceremony honoring the victims, first responders, and all those whose lives were forever changed by the tragedy.
Held Sept. 10, the event brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni, law enforcement personnel, and community members for a solemn observance of remembrance and reflection. Hosted by and the , the ceremony featured a processional by the Will County and Joliet Police Department Pipes & Drums, the posting of colors by the honor guard, a wreath-laying ceremony, and musical tributes.
The program included remarks from Dr. Christopher Sindt, president of 51ÁÔÆæ, and was led by Dr. Shanon Gillette, chair and assistant professor of Justice, Law and Public Safety Studies.
The ceremony included several others from throughout Will County who offered a tribute recognizing the courage, sacrifice, and service that emerged after Sept. 11.
- Will County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard and Pipes
- Joliet Police Department Pipes and Drums
- Illinois State Police Trumpeter
- Romeoville Police Dept Chief Brant Hromadka
- Romeoville Fire Dept Battalion Chief Chad Ziller
- 51ÁÔÆæ Police Chief Margie Lill
- Brother Robert Viselsky, FSC
- 51ÁÔÆæ Alumna Giana Fidanzia
- 51ÁÔÆæ Mariachi Ensemble
- IL State Representative for the 97th District Jessica Dixon Heitman
- IL State Representative Dagmara Avelar for the 85th District
51ÁÔÆæ is a modern, enterprising, Catholic university with a growing student enrollment from GED through doctoral level programs. As part of the global Lasallian network of 65 universities, 51ÁÔÆæ is known for preparing graduates who impact the world for the better. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.
