By Matt Dooley Staff writer
Everyone remembers the tragedy of 9-11 in a different way. For some, it hits very close to home.
Susquehanna lost two of its own in the tragedy that shook America, and students and faculty honored these two alumni on Sunday. The two Susquehanna alumni killed were Colleen Supinski and Chris Vialonga.
On Sept. 11 Susquehanna held a memorial service to remember those lost during the attacks on the World Trade Center 15 years ago. The service was a collaborative effort between Alumni Affairs and Better Together.
Better Together is a club on campus whose goal is “to take those painful experiences of the past and build a bridge forward for a future that is one of community and not of division,” according to University Chaplain Scott Kershner.
Susquehanna is one of many universities that held services on Sept. 11 to keep the memory alive of those who have died.
“A lot of students do not realize this but the events of 9-11 hit close to home. We lost two alumni during the attack. We have a memorial right on campus that many students do not even realize exists,” said Rebekka Rosen, president of Better Together.
It was at that very memorial that the 9-11 service took place.
A crowd gathered at noon, standing in front of the memorial: a piece of the Twin Tower’s infrastructure amid two plaques remembering the two alumni who died 15 years ago.
Kershner arrived to briefly speak before introducing a small student choir to sing songs such as “God Bless America.” Rosen spoke about “how even in the darkest of times you can always find a light.”
The service emphasized the two alumni who died on Sept. 11, Supinski and Vialonga, and the lives they lived.
Richard Hansen shared his memories of Colleen Supinski. Hansen was her track and field coach when Supinski attended Susquehanna.
He remembered her as both a leader and a team player who always strove toward her goals.
Rick Shuck, who was the football coach when Vialonga attended Susquehanna, shared his memories of Vialonga, a quarterback for the Susquehanna football team. Vialonga was a leader and a passionate fan of the New York Jets.
Any students who would like to learn more about the lives of the two alumni can find their memorial next to the library overlooking the football field.
“The events of 9-11 have shaped the reality of all of us,” Kershner said. “I recognize that current students may not even remember the actual day or maybe it’s just a hazy memory. But whether one remembers it or not, it has shaped the reality that all of us live in now. It is both important to remember that day, but it is also important to be conscious of the way we remember.”
Students were also encouraged to come share a moment of silence the previous day, Sept. 10 at the memorial. Kershner spoke and also led a group prayer
