9/11 25th Anniversary | September 8–18, 2026

Remembering the past. Connecting generations. Serving our community.
In recognition of the 25th anniversary of September 11, the Rutgers University–Newark community is invited to Joined in Service—a series of opportunities to remember, reflect, connect across generations, and turn remembrance into meaningful service.
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Joined in Service Virtual Blood Drive:
Give in honor of service. Rutgers University–Newark students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members are invited to participate in our virtual blood drive and help save lives.
Organizer: Rutgers University–Newark Staff Council
Donate: Joined in Service Virtual Blood Drive
- Abbott / Big Ten® Blood Donation Competition: Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members are encouraged to donate blood and submit eligible donations in support of Rutgers University through the Abbott / Big Ten® Blood Donation Competition. Show up to donate blood at any blood drive or blood center in the U.S. between August 12 – December 4
- Starting August 26, submit your donation for your Big Ten® school at BigTen.org/Abbott or by texting GIVEBLOOD to 222688 (ABBOTT)
- Check your email to claim your free T-shirt* and show off your team pride.
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RU Swag Donation Drive: September 8–16
Give your Rutgers gear a second life while supporting students! Current and former students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends are invited to donate new or gently loved Rutgers University–Newark and affiliated school swag, including shirts, hats, mugs, bags, notebooks, and other Rutgers gear.
All donations will benefit and support Pantry+.
Organizer: Rutgers University–Newark Staff Council
Collection Location: Rutgers University Police Department, 200 University Avenue
On-Campus Donation Pickup: Email Officer Marie Bristol at Marie.Bristol@rutgers.edu to schedule a pickup.
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PAUSE. CENTER. RECONNECT.
Take 15 minutes to pause, center, and ground yourself through a guided virtual Mindful Moment designed to encourage reflection, mindfulness, and connection in community.
Facilitator: Theresa Tantay-Wilson
Format: Virtual, Link to join the session
Open to: Rutgers University–Newark community members
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REMEMBER. HONOR. CARRY FORWARD.
Location: Norman Samuels Plaza
Join the Rutgers University–Newark community as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11, remember those lost, honor first responders and members of our community, and reflect on the lessons we carry forward across generations.
Organizers: RUPD • Rutgers University–Newark Staff Council • Newark Public Schools • SPAA • Institutional Planning & Operations (IPO) • Office of Veterans Affairs

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REMEMBRANCE IN ACTION
Care Packages • Beautification • Recorded Reflections
Location: Norman Samuels Plaza
Immediately following the ceremony, turn remembrance and reflection into action through hands-on opportunities to serve. Join members of the campus community for Classroom Care Package assembly, beautification, and recorded reflections designed to connect generations through remembrance, shared humanity, and service.
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Marking 25 years since September 11, we invite Rutgers University–Newark staff to a quiet, intentional space for reflection, solidarity, and personal storytelling.
A quarter-century later, this day carries layered memories, historical trauma, and complex emotions across generations. This virtual circle offers a space to process, connect, and honor our shared humanity, free from political debate.
Step away from your daily workload to share, listen, and find comfort in community with your colleagues.
Facilitator: Gary Santos Mendoza
Format: Virtual
Pre-registration required: Register for the Virtual Healing Circle
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CENTER. GROUND. CONNECT.
Take a moment to center and ground yourself in community while investing in your mindfulness through a brief, guided Mindful Moment and meditation.
Facilitator: Theresa Tantay-Wilson
Format: Virtual, Link to join the session
Open to: Rutgers University–Newark community members
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SERVE FRESH. SERVE TOGETHER.
Give your time and serve alongside fellow Rutgers community members in support of the Pantry+ Farmers Market.
Coordinators: Rutgers University–Newark Staff Council & Pantry+
Volunteer Sign-Up: Register to Volunteer
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Voter Registration & Education Table:
Are you ready to get out and vote? Confirm your voter registration and gain valuable, nonpartisan information about voter registration and responsible participation in the voting process.
Stop by during National Voter Education Week to learn more, ask questions, and make sure you have the information you need to be vote ready.
Location: Norman Samuels Plaza
Organizers: Rutgers University–Newark Office of Student Life and Leadership (OSLL), in conjunction with NJPIRG
Contact: Izzy Mir

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Rutgers Law School In-Person Blood Drive:
Give the gift of life as part of Joined in Service by donating blood and helping support patients in need.
Location: 123 Washington Street
Blood Collection Partner: New York Blood Center
Pre-registration encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
- Abbott / Big Ten® Blood Donation Competition: Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members are encouraged to donate blood and submit eligible donations in support of Rutgers University through the Abbott / Big Ten® Blood Donation Competition. Show up to donate blood at any blood drive or blood center in the U.S. between August 12 – December 4
- Starting August 26, submit your donation for your Big Ten® school at BigTen.org/Abbott or by texting GIVEBLOOD to 222688 (ABBOTT)
- Check your email to claim your free T-shirt* and show off your team pride
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SWAP. SHARE. SUPPORT.
Give your time and help make gently used clothing and other items accessible to members of our campus community through the Thrift SWAP & Shop.
Coordinators: Rutgers University–Newark Staff Council & Pantry+
Volunteer Sign-Up: Register to Volunteer
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CLEAN UP. CONNECT. GIVE BACK.
OSLL / RUPD Community Cleanup Volunteer Day:
Close out Joined in Service by rolling up your sleeves and joining fellow Rutgers community members for a morning of cleanup, connection, and service.
Organizers: Office of Student Life and Leadership (OSLL) & RUPD
Meeting Location: 200 University Avenue
Contacts: Lt. Jamie Hendrix & Izzy Mir
Confirm Attendance: Email Lt. Jamie Hendrix at Jamie.Hendrix@rutgers.edu
JOINED IN SERVICE
GIVE → REMEMBER → REFLECT → CONNECT → SERVE
Remembering the past. Connecting generations. Serving our community.
