GWU Remembers 9/11 (Anniversary Park)

By Frank Leone

The George Washington University grounds include a small park which contains a plaque dedicated to nine GWU alumni who died in the September 11 terrorist attacks. The plaque is centered in Anniversary Park (2138 Street), which was created in 1997 in honor of GWU’s 175^th Anniversary. 

The 9/11 plaque states: “The George Washington University honors the memory of those alumni lost in the tragedies of September 11, 2001 - Sara M. Clark (CCAS, MA '75) • Andrew K. Friedman (CCAS, BA '80) • Melissa M. Harrington Hughes (SBPM, MBA '95) • Robert F. Mace (GW Law School, JD '84) • John P. O'Neill (ESIA, MFS '78) • Todd H. Reuben (GS Law School, JD '89) • John Sammartino (SEAS, BS '86) • Andrew Stergiopoulos (SBPM, BA '00) • James T. Wasterman (CCAS, BA '84)”. The plaque (installed between 2011 and 2017) also contains a poem called “Meadow of Flowers.” (F. Leone Aug. 2026)

GWU also hosts 9/11 commemorative events. For 2026, these will include the following:

·         September 10 Panel Discussion: "Twenty-Five Years After 9/11: War, Memory, and the World It Created" at the Elliott School of International Affairs (1957 E St NW). 

·         September 11 Campus Reflections: Traditional carillon bell tolling across the Foggy Bottom campus and U.S. flags displayed in University Yard to honor fallen GW alumni. 

·         September 11 Day of Service: Coordinated community service and volunteer engagement via the GW Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service.

Past GWU  9/11 memorials activities have included wreath-laying at the Anniversary Park site.

The entrance to Anniversary Park, with the brick PEPCO building to the rear. (F. Leone Aug. 2026)

As stated by a plaque on the column flanking the entrance, GWU’s Anniversary Park was: “Established on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the signing of the Charter of The George Washington University by President James Monroe on February 9, 1821 in honor of all who have and all who will contribute to the continued growth and greatness of our University.”  Located on the south end of the city campus, the park contains a garden, benches, and barbeque grills for gatherings. The park is surrounded by an eight-foot fence and now appears to be locked when not in use.

The park land is actually owned by the PEPCO power company and is adjacent to PEPCO’s F Street substation, located behind the park. PEPCO retains the rights to take back the park should it need the property. The park was dedicated in October 1997 by then D.C. Mayor Marion Barry.  

Sources: Kevin Eckstrom, “ANC opposed GWU park’s fencing, gate,” GW Hatchet (Apr. 28, 1997), p. 15; Heather C. Shaw, “Park highlights GW partnership with PEPCO,” GW Hatchet (Oct. 9, 1997) p. 9; “Anniversary Park,” Foggy Bottom News, vol. 40:2 p. 8 (Nov. 1997).

UPDATE:  See GWU President Granberg’s 9/11/2026 video HERE.