A Regional Collaboration Empowering Students to Lead with Purpose
This fall, students across Ohio transformed remembrance into meaningful action through the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance Campus Service Grants, awarded by the Community Campus Coalition (Triple C) in partnership with 9/11 Day, AmeriCorps, the Community-Engaged Alliance, and the regional IKONC collaboration.
These $2,500 grants empowered Denison University and The University of Akron to lead powerful student-driven service initiatives honoring the lives lost on September 11, 2001. Collectively, these projects were part of a regional effort that engaged more than 6,500 students across 11 states—proving that when students lead, communities are strengthened.
The University of Akron: A Campus United in Service
The University of Akron brought together 105 students, faculty, and staff for a day of reflection and service, welcoming Triple C Executive Director Stephanie Dodd to campus. A striking display of nearly 3,000 American flags honored each life lost on 9/11, accompanied by educational signs that encouraged reflection and gratitude.
Volunteers created over 300 care kits through Campus Cupboard, wrote thank-you cards to first responders, and helped distribute more than 15 pounds of food per person to nearly 120 local residents in partnership with the Akron Canton Regional Foodbank.
“It was moving to see our campus pause together in reflection and immediately turn that emotion into service,” shared one student participant.
Denison University: Educating and Inspiring the Next Generation
Denison University engaged 450 volunteers—including middle school students, Denison students, and community partners—in four days of immersive educational programming and hands-on service. In collaboration with Sending Hope Ohio and Denison’s Educational Studies Department, students learned about 9/11 through storytelling, reflection, and civic engagement activities.
Participants assembled 500 hygiene kits, 100 wellness bottles, 30 blankets for unhoused individuals, and wrote cards for hospitalized children and military veterans. The initiative emphasized the importance of purpose, empathy, and community care.
“What stood out most was the eagerness of students to serve and their understanding that they can be everyday heroes,” shared a Denison organizer.
A Legacy of Hope and Action
Triple C is proud to support campuses that transform remembrance into service, healing, and hope. We are deeply grateful to 9/11 Day, AmeriCorps, Community-Engaged Alliance, and the IKONC partners whose support made these efforts possible.
Through collective action, Ohio’s campuses demonstrated that the legacy of September 11 is not only one of loss—but of unity, resilience, and a shared commitment to building stronger communities through service.