University ROTC students organized the first 9/11 memorial stair climb three years ago to honor those who lost their lives in the attacks. Each year, starting at 6 a.m., participants climb 120 stairs in Sanford Stadium 19 times in tribute to the first responders who climbed 110 stories in the World Trade Center that day.

Greg Trevor, public safety communications and outreach coordinator in the Division of Finance and Administration, is a survivor of the attacks on the World Trade Center and gave remarks at this year’s event.

“My feelings can be summarized in two words: humbled and grateful. I remain humbled by the enormity of the tragedy that we faced that day and by the thousands of families, friends and coworkers that we lost in the attacks and whose lives we continue to mourn,” he said. “As one of the estimated 25,000 people who were successfully evacuated that day from the World Trade Center complex, my family and I will forever be grateful for the selfless acts of these brave men and women.”

This year, more than 130 students completed the climb alongside 80 first responders. Participating agencies included the Athens-Clarke County Fire and Police departments, Oconee County Fire Rescue and the UGA Police Department, as well as National Emergency Medical Services and Beaverdam Volunteer Fire Department, which participated for the first time.

“This event carries a great deal of meaning for those of us who participate each year, especially for those who have chosen to dedicate their lives to the service of others. For some, the courage and sacrifice shown by the first responders, service members and countless others on 9/11 has helped inspire our own decision to serve,” said Amelia Potter, a cadet major in UGA Air Force ROTC and a junior in UGA’s College of Engineering. “It is our hope that this tradition continues here at UGA so that future generations will always remember the significance of Sept. 11, 2001.”