Saint Francis University Marks September 11 Anniversary
Saint Francis University marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks with a solemn ceremony that began at 8:46 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026. Members of the University community gathered around the campus Bell Tower as the names of the four alumni lost that day at the World Trade Center were read aloud – along with three other individuals who were beloved family members of Saint Francis alumni – each name being met with a moment’s silence. “Taps” was played, and those in attendance were invited to recite the Peace Prayer of Saint Francis before the bell tolled out in solemn remembrance.
The alumni and friends that we remember today and always:
Frederick H. Kelley III ’66
Academic Major while at SFC: Economics
Residence on 9/11: Huntington, NY
Occupation: Municipal Bonds | Cantor Fitzgerald, 104th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center
Mary Ellen Tiesi ’84
Academic Major while at SFC: Management
Residence on 9/11: Jersey City, NJ
Occupation: Senior Vice President | AON Corporation, 105th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center
Larry J. Senko ’89
Academic Major while at SFC: Management
Residence on 9/11: Yardley, PA
Occupation: Area Vice President | Alliance Consulting, 102nd floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center
Robert A. Zampieri ’94
Academic Major while at SFC: History
Residence on 9/11: Saddle River, NJ
Occupation: Trader | Carr Futures, 92nd floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center
Christopher Clarke – son-in-law of John ’64 and Sheila (Widmer) Connors ’65
Sandler O’Neill & Partners, South Tower of the World Trade Center
Kaleen Pezzuti – daughter of Frank Pezzuti ’66
Cantor Fitzgerald, North Tower of the World Trade Center
Todd Pelino – son-in-law of Frank Pezzuti ’66
Cantor Fitzgerald, North Tower of the World Trade Center
Saint Francis University will Never Forget September 11, 2001.
From the University Archives:
Father Christian R. Oravec, TOR, (1937-2014) then College President, recounted the events of September 11, 2001 on campus, in the Fall 2001 edition of the University Magazine:
“The stunning news swept quickly around campus…Our American, Pennsylvania, and University flags were lowered to half mast, flags appeared in many dorm windows, and more people than usual made their way to noon Mass. We canceled afternoon and evening classes as well as upcoming sporting events and began to plan a prayer service in the chapel at 4:00 p.m. As I left my office to go to the chapel, I noticed people converging from all parts of campus. Our community, just as people nationwide and around the world, realized the need to turn to God. The chapel was crowded, with standing room only, including the balcony.
…We could only rely on our faith and turn to prayer in those early hours following the devastation… Later that evening of September 11, students gathered again for a candlelight vigil around the Saint Francis fountain in the middle of the mall. Reflecting on the Franciscan Peace Prayer, we realized that our nation had definitely experienced hatred and injury, doubt and despair, darkness and grief. Yet at the same time the grace of God touched so many hearts and helped us to console and to understand, to love and to give.
Strengthened by prayer, the most common question here was: “What else can we do to help?” At a Red Cross station set at the JFK Center, so many donated blood that the goal was exceeded and many willing donors were turned away. Students began a fund drive for medical supplies while others answered the call to assist in some way at the crash site of Flight 93 near Somerset.
…We pray with Saint Francis of Assisi: “Glorious and most high God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me right faith, firm hope, and perfect love. Give me also, Lord, sensitivity, understanding, and knowledge, so that I may carry out the task you have given me to do.”
- Fr. Christian R. Oravec, TOR (Fall 2001 Magazine, pages 2-3)