Fri, Sep 11, 2026
University Hall, Out back on the stairs
New
Step back in time and explore what Sept. 11, 2001, looked and felt like on the BGSU campus.
At a time when most students did not have cell phones and information traveled differently, the campus community gathered together as the events of the day unfolded. Students, faculty and staff came together to process what was happening and reflect on its impact on our country and our community.
Drawing from the University Archives, photographs will be displayed outside University Hall, offering a glimpse into the people, places and emotions that shaped that day on campus. Take a moment to walk through this collection and reflect on a day that remains an important part of our shared history.
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9/11 : My Thoughts as University Photographer
by University photographer Craig Bell
The events of Sept. 11, 2001, instantly changed our lives and our campus in ways that are difficult to describe, to comprehend, even 25 years later.
As the university photographer at Bowling Green State University, I’ve documented countless moments of celebration and everyday campus life. That day, my camera became a witness to something entirely different – a community dealing with shock, uncertainty and profound loss. My role as a photographer was to capture these moments.
The images I made reflected a part of our campus history, but they also documented the powerful emotions of all those I photographed – emotions that I was experiencing along with them.
The candlelight vigils on campus became a powerful expression of unity. As darkness fell, not only were the faces illuminated, but also their grief and compassion … even their hope.
In the days that followed, the campus was very quiet. Flags flew at half-staff, and conversations were more compassionate, even softer. People who had never spoken before found comfort standing together.
On Sept. 14, the BGSU campus community held “A Day of Remembrance” in front of University Hall. The gathering brought together students, faculty and staff, as well as local residents of Bowling Green, in a collective act of remembrance as we all searched for ways to process what had happened. The president, Dr. Sidney A. Ribeau, addressed the crowd with words of pain and uncertainty, while also encouraging strength, compassion and unity. The ceremony honored those who lost their lives, and affirmed our values as a community – a country – under attack, and the hope we all held that would carry us forward after this unimaginable tragedy.
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25th Anniversary of September 11
In honor of the 25th anniversary, the University invites the community to take part in commemorative events that honor and remember those affected by September 11.