Students, faculty and community plan events for 9/11

By Lina Kang     9/9/25 10:24pm

As the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks approaches, student groups plan events to commemorate the occasion. Rice Chorale will host a 9/11 In Memoriam concert at 7 p.m. on Sept. 10 at the Edythe Bates Old Recital Hall and Grand Organ, and the Rice Naval ROTC will host a stair climb at 6 a.m. on Sept. 11 at Rice Stadium.

9/11 In Memoriam 

This year, the Rice Chorale will sing “Requiem” by John Rutter in a performance lasting approximately 45 minutes. 

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Music Director Thomas Jaber said that the performance offers not just music but a way to commemorate the past.

“Many of my students currently in the Chorale were not alive when 9/11 happened,” Jaber said. “So, when I’m talking about this tragedy, they know it from history. But I think it’s just really important for us to stop and never forget those who actually lost their lives on that morning.”

This year marks Rice Chorale’s 23rd year of this commemorative event. Chorale member Wenshi Chen, who also performed in last year’s concert, said the annual event is a gathering to grapple with loss, remembrance and hope.

“[The performance] is really heavenly, as you fully immerse yourself within, and you feel the heartbeat of the music,” said Chen, a Hanszen College junior. “The music transcends language, and it brought us all back to remembering what happened on that day and the people who experienced loss.” 

Rice Chorale is composed of students, faculty and community members from the Greater Houston Area. Kinesiology professor Laura Kabiri, who performs with the Chorale, said that music is a universal language and connects people in ways that are both moving and encouraging.

“I remember 9/11 — I was actually a college student then,” Kabiri said. “I cannot overstate the impact of that event on our nation. To now have the ability to remember and share that moment with students who weren’t alive then is really important, powerful and moving. I’m proud that [Rice] takes time to pause, remember and reflect on the lives lost and the first responders who carried us through.”

NROTC Stair Climb

This will be the Rice Naval ROTC program’s second year hosting the stair climbing event, meant to physically recreate the climb of firefighters entering the towers.

Capt. Mike Kinter said the event is in remembrance of what first responders actually did going into the Twin Towers.

“We’ll be doing it in [physical training] gear — shorts and T-shirt and running shoes — but [first responders] were in full firefighter gear, masks, smoke, in the chaos of people evacuating,” Kinter said. “It’s impressive what those firefighters actually did. So it’s just a way of remembering that and thanking them for the sacrifice they made for the country.”

Gunnery Sgt. Samantha Marquez, who helped create this event two years ago, reminds the students to think about their mission rather than their physical exertion. 

“It’s not about you when you’re in the uniform and performing these tasks, but it’s about the people you protect,” Marquez said.

MIDN 1/C Abram Alvarado said he found it meaningful that Rice ROTC commemorated 9/11 in this way.

“In my opinion, it’s better than just putting flags around campus,” said Alvarado, a Duncan College senior. “That’s meaningful in its own way, but this is different; it takes time, effort and physical sacrifice. It’s a way to feel what others felt that day, even if just a fraction. It’s both symbolic and experiential.”

Beyond the commemorative aspect of the stair climb, MIDN 3/C Surabhi Nair said that this event is also a demonstration of collective support and camaraderie.

“I always say: lead from the front, by example,” said Nair, a University of Houston student. “I’m not the most physically fit person, so I tell [participants], ‘If I can do it, you can too.’ No one will laugh if you struggle. We’ll climb with you if needed. We’re all in it together.”

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