Vaughn Remembers Graduates Lost on 9/11

September 9, 2011

The first of several campus events to commemorate the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks remembered alumni Antonio Rodrigues and Santos Valentin. On Friday, a red, white and blue wreath was hung over the plaque dedicated to the two police officers who died in the World Trade Center.

Rodrigues, a Port Authority police officer, was a member of the class of 1997; Valentin, a New York City police officer, graduated in 1981.

The wreath-laying preceded a campuswide moment of silence on Friday (Sept. 9). Donations for yellow ribbons to honor American military personnel also were collected. A candlelight vigil will be held at 10 p.m. on Sunday (Sept. 11) in the residence hall parking lot.

Also on Sunday, the College will host a community outreach leadership project at 10 a.m., meeting in front of the residence hall. On Tuesday (Sept. 13), a group discussion titled "Reflecting on the 10-Year Anniversary" will begin at 11 a.m. in the main lounge of the residence hall.

Valentin, a 17-year veteran of the NYPD, was attached to the Emergency Services unit and was trained in counterterrorism operations. Rodrigues was in the basement of the South Tower attempting to pick up oxygen tanks for rescue operations when the building collapsed. His courage was captured by actor Armando Riesco in the 2006 Oliver Stone film "World Trade Center."

A red, white and blue wreath was hung over the plaque dedicated to alumni Antonio Rodrigues and Santos Valentin, who died on 9/11.