Villanova Honors 9/11 Victims with Memorials and Scholarships

A quarter-century has passed since the devastating attacks of September 11, 2001, leaving an indelible mark on the nation, including Villanova University. On that fateful day, 15 members of the Villanova community lost their lives. Fourteen were in the World Trade Center, and one served as a flight attendant on United Airlines flight 175. Additionally, at least one Villanova alumnus succumbed to health issues related to the aftermath at Ground Zero. The impact was felt by all.

Annually, on the anniversary of 9/11, Villanova University honors these individuals and all affected by the tragedy through solemn events, prayers, and thoughtfully organized memorials.

Yet, the remembrance of these individuals transcends a singular day.

Corr Chapel’s Stained Glass Tribute

Within the walls of Corr Hall Chapel, a distinctive stained glass window stands as a tribute to those who perished in the attacks. Crafted by Rev. Richard G. Cannuli, OSA, ’73 CLAS, an accomplished Augustinian friar and artist, the memorial features two main panels framed in lead and encircled by ornamental stone. The left pane illustrates the Blessed Virgin Mary in prayer, while the right showcases the twin towers, the Pentagon, and the field near Shanksville, Pa., where the hijacked planes crashed.

The names of the 15 Villanova alumni are inscribed in Gothic lettering at the base of the panel depicting the twin towers. This layout encourages each name to be individually read and remembered. Additional details, such as the date in Roman numerals (IX-XI) and the flight numbers of the hijacked planes, accompany illustrations of the heavens and stars, symbolizing love and empathy in the Augustinian tradition.

Father Cannuli, known for his work as an iconographer, began designing the memorial window in early 2005. His creative process involved initial pencil sketches, discussions with University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ’75 CLAS, and the translation of sketches into scale drawings. The final design was rendered in watercolor before being transferred onto paper and crafted at the Vetrate Artistiche Toscane glass studio in Siena, Italy.

Though the window was intended for the fifth anniversary of the attacks in 2006, transportation delays led to its installation in November of that year. Father Donohue remarked, “I want this window to be a fitting and sensitive permanent memorial for the Villanova victims of the 9/11 tragedy and for their families.”

Scholarships Carrying Forward the Legacy

In the wake of 9/11, the family of Jennifer L. Kane ’97 VSB, who perished in the attacks, established the Jennifer L. Kane Endowed University Scholarship to honor her memory and provide educational opportunities to young women. By 2026, 24 students from the Villanova School of Business have benefited from this scholarship.

Since then, five more endowed scholarships have been created, each reflecting the spirit of the individuals they commemorate. Collectively, these scholarships have awarded nearly $850,000 to 71 students.

• The W. David Bauer ’78 Endowed Scholarship Fund supports students facing financial difficulties due to personal hardships. Bauer, a VSB alumnus and former Football team member, was lost in the attacks.
• The Danielle’s Spirit Endowed Scholarship, honoring Danielle Kousalis ’93 VSB, aids female student-athletes in need of financial assistance.
• The Ned Thompson Memorial Scholarship Fund supports students from law enforcement or emergency services families. Sgt. Thompson, a Ground Zero first responder, later passed from cancer linked to the site.
• The Christopher M. Dincuff ’92 Endowed Memorial Scholarship assists the senior Men’s Basketball manager, a nod to Dincuff’s love for Villanova Basketball.
• The Jeannine Damiani-Jones ’94 Endowed Memorial Scholarship for VSB was founded by her husband to support female students in her memory.

Additionally, the Dennis M. Cook ’90 Endowed Gregor Mendel Chair in Genetics supports the University’s genetics research program.

“These scholarships and funds allow the unique spirit of these individuals to live on in beautiful, meaningful ways that continue to benefit so many different members of our community,” said Kevin Noller, ’04 CLAS, ’09 MBA, vice president for University Advancement at Villanova.

Together, these memorials ensure that those lost on that tragic day are remembered for their lives and the enduring impact of their legacy.