Once joined together by their passion for learning, the 18 University alumni who perished in last year's terrorist attacks are now forever united by one of the most tragic events in our nation's history.

In their honor, the University yesterday, along with the Alumni Association, dedicated a plaque to hang in the lobby of the Alumni Center, engraved with the names of the "U of M 18," as the group is now known.

"I will always remember my son as a man of grace, intelligence, whimsy, warmth and curiosity," said Marilyn Rosenthal, a professor at the University's Dearborn campus who lost her son in the attacks.

Rosenthal also represented the relatives of the alumni at yesterday's dedication.

Rosenthal said that while these 18 individuals were once brought together by intellectual curiosity, their lives have again crossed "in a profound act of political violence."

She spoke of the stunning view from her son's floor in the World Trade Center's South Tower and how equally spectacular it was to view the famous skyline of the Big Apple, contrasting the view with the way the terrorists saw the towers.

"To them, the towers represented America's overwhelming global domination and the dark side of American culture," Rosenthal said.

William McManinch, a close friend to Rosenthal and her son Joshua, described what type of person Joshua was and how his mother coped during the past year.

"Marilyn is writing a book about her son. She spent the last year interviewing his friends around here and his coworkers who worked on the floor with him," he said.

"I think it's helped to fill a void."

Rosenthal said she will never understand why her son did not leave the building while he still had a chance.

He sent an elevator of people down to safety and returned to the office to see if anyone else needed assistance.

Alumni Association President Saul Green opened the ceremony praising the University's commitment and support. "We must not forget our deep emotional commitments to Michigan and the life long friendships we have made here."

University President Mary Sue Coleman emphasized the importance of the bonds students build throughout their academic careers.

"U of M will not fall silent. It will go on nourishing all its children with vital, worldly knowledge," Coleman said.