The 2025 9/11 Day of Service Impact

This year college campuses across Indiana and beyond honored the National 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance through volunteerism, reflection, and community partnership. With funding support from 9/11 Day and AmeriCorps, students, faculty, and community members united to transform remembrance into action. This opportunity was also made possible through IKONC, a collaboration of Community-Engaged Alliance (IN), NC Campus Engagement (NC), Community Campus Coalition (OH), Engage KY (KY).

A Statewide and Regional Impact

More than 3,000 volunteers from 12 campuses served their communities—supporting veterans, first responders, families, and local nonprofits through acts of service that honored the legacy of 9/11.

Anderson University

Anderson University hosted its inaugural 9/11 Day of Remembrance and Service, drawing more than 250 participants and 27 volunteers including students, faculty, first responders, and community partners. The event featured speakers from local, state, and federal agencies, and a service fair connecting students to 20 community organizations.

Denison University

Denison University students joined forces with Sending Hope Ohio and Wilson Middle School to honor the legacy of 9/11 through education and service. Approximately 443 volunteers came together to help the homeless and hospitalized veterans and children. Through hands-on projects and reflective learning, Denison students and local middle schoolers explored what it means to serve others, celebrate everyday heroes, and build stronger, more compassionate communities.

Indiana State University

At Indiana State University, 100 volunteers came together to assemble 200 hygiene kits for veterans and families in need. The kits were distributed to four community partners, including the Loyal Veterans Battalion and Reach Services, extending ISU’s commitment to service across the Wabash Valley.

Wabash College

Wabash College united approximately than 238 volunteers, including city and county leaders, for a community-wide day of service at 15 project sites. Volunteers supported local organizations such as Pam’s Promise, Family Crisis Shelter, Grace & Mercy Food Pantry, and Crawfordsville Main Street, focusing on beautification, food distribution, and shelter assistance.

Wake Forest University

Wake Forest University’s Office of Civic & Community Engagement organized a Day of Service with 108 volunteers. Participants served at 10 community sites and hosted a veteran career development workshop. Projects supported organizations such as Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity ReStores, and the Forsyth Backpack Program.

UNC Wilmington

UNC Wilmington’s Wings Up for Wilmington event engaged 253 volunteers serving 691 hours across 14 organizations. Projects supported the Good Shepherd Center and Canines for Service, benefiting veterans and families experiencing homelessness while strengthening community resilience.

Additional Universities

Together, these additional campuses including the University of Akron, Indiana University | DJ Center for Youth, Elizabeth City State University, UNC Greensboro, Morehead State University and NC Central University added approximately 1,884 additional volunteers, contributing to regional service across Ohio, Kentucky, and North Carolina. Projects ranged from environmental cleanups to student-led food drives and school partnerships promoting civic engagement.

By the Numbers

• 3,053 total volunteers
• Dozens of community partners across shelters, schools, and food programs
• Thousands of lives impacted through housing support, food access, and veteran assistance

Each campus brought forward its own expression of remembrance—showing how students, faculty, and communities can come together to honor the past by building a more connected and compassionate future.

Together, these efforts embody the true spirit of 9/11 Day: honoring those lost through unity, compassion, and purpose.