With few exceptions, the average traditional Rogers State University student is 20 or 21 years old — an age at which none of them have firsthand memories of the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and very few can fully grasp the emotion and impact of that day.
RSU Veteran Affairs Coordinator Ayla Hudson wants to change that.
This Friday, RSU will host the university’s first 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Participants will climb 2,200 steps — the equivalent of 110 stories, matching the height of the World Trade Center towers — to honor the 343 firefighters, law enforcement officers, and EMS personnel who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.
“Nine-eleven memorial stair climbs have become a tradition among first responders and military over the last 20 years with community support nationwide,” Hudson explained. “With this year being the 25th anniversary, I realized most of our traditional students — and even some graduate students — were born after the events of that day.
“Since we have an open-air stadium directly next to our dorms, it seemed like an opportunity to connect our students to this moment in modern history. By inviting our local first responders and veterans — students and non-students alike — hopefully conversations will occur about what it was like to see it and respond to it,” she said.
Check-in and liability waiver signing begin at 8:30 a.m. at Soldier Field. The climb starts at 9 a.m. and will continue until 11 a.m.
Among the confirmed volunteers is RSU alumna Sen. Ally Seifried.
According to Hudson, attendees are not required to complete the entire stair climb, as participant well-being is the top priority.
“While first responders are welcome to wear gear, participants are encouraged to wear fitness attire and to bring water,” she said. “I will have additional water available, and local sponsors are bringing water and snacks as well.”
Ample seating will be available for spectators.
For more information, contact Hudson at 918-343-7738 or by email at ahudson@rsu.edu.
