Nassau Community College Commemorates 25th Anniversary of September 11

GARDEN CITY, NY — September 14, 2026 — Nassau Community College gathered members of its campus community for a memorial service marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and honoring the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives.

The ceremony provided an opportunity for the NCC community to reflect on the lives lost, the bravery of first responders, and the lasting impact of September 11 on families and communities across Long Island, New York and the nation.

NCC Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Maria Conzatti spoke during the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who were lost and ensuring their stories continue to be shared with future generations.

“Twenty-five years later, we continue to remember the lives lost on September 11 and the extraordinary courage of the first responders who answered the call. Their stories, their sacrifice and the strength of the families and communities they left behind must never be forgotten,” Dr. Maria Conzatti, Nassau Community College Chief Administrative Officer said. “At Nassau Community College, we are committed to keeping that memory alive and ensuring that future generations understand the profound impact of that day and the importance of coming together in times of adversity.”

Outgoing Nassau County Legislator and former NCC Trustee Arnold Drucker also addressed those gathered, reflecting on the significance of September 11 and its enduring impact on the community.

“On this solemn day that marks a quarter century since the immense tragedy of 9/11, it was my distinct privilege to return to NCC, a community that I deeply care for and had the honor of serving on the board of the college- to gather in honor and remembrance of all those we lost on that day, and hold steadfast our vow to never forget,” Legislator Arnold Drucker said. “Joining with the NCC community on this day filled me with a sense of resolve- to see that the legacies of those we lost still lives on in the memories of loved ones, and in the countless people who felt a calling to fields of service, inspired by the selfless sacrifice made by so many heroes, both in and out of uniform, that day.”

Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, who has also served as an adjunct professor at NCC, spoke about the courage and sacrifice of first responders and the importance of honoring their legacy.

NCC Student Trustee Johncarlo Rivera also participated in the ceremony, offering remarks from the perspective of the college's student community.

The 25th anniversary memorial served as a solemn reminder that, even a quarter-century later, the lives lost and sacrifices made on September 11 will never be forgotten.

About Nassau Community College
Nassau Community College (NCC), a campus of the State University of New York (SUNY), provides a comprehensive public college experience designed to prepare students to start, and continue, their successful journeys through higher education. Serving more than 17,000 full-time and part-time students annually, NCC offers 70 degree and certificate programs. Through on-campus and online offerings, the College educates local and international students and boasts more than 167,000 alumni. Situated on 225 acres in Garden City, Long Island, NCC is located in historic Nassau County, one of the most desirable locations to live in the United States and an epicenter for business and careers. Since 1959, the College has earned a nationwide reputation for academic excellence, affordability, and ease of transferability to four-year schools.