SIU students and members of the community, including first responders, participate in the 9/11 Saluki Stair Climb. (SIU Carbondale photo by Erasmus Tornye)
August 13, 2026
SIU’s 2026 stair climb commemorates 25th anniversary of 9/11, War on Terror
CARBONDALE, Ill. — On the 25th anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack in the nation’s history, Southern Illinois University Carbondale will pay tribute to the victims of Sept. 11, 2001.
The annual 9/11 Saluki Stair Climb at SIU’s Banterra Center involves a simulated 110-floor stair climb, representing the 110 floors of the World Trade Center Twin Towers. The climb reflects the journey through the towers that were destroyed that day and honors the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives.
Alternatively, participants have the option to walk for 2 miles around the Banterra Center concourse. The distance represents the evacuation from Ground Zero to a site across the Brooklyn Bridge.
The tribute, observed annually by SIU Air Force and Army ROTC cadets, honors first responders, members of the military and civilians who lost their lives as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and ensuing War on Terror.
The event is open to Southern Illinois first responders, veterans, SIU students, faculty, staff and members of the local community. The public can participate individually or as a team. Participants should plan to arrive by 5:45 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 11.
It is free and open to the public, but registration and a waiver are required. SIU departments, colleges and offices are invited to challenge each other on which unit brings the largest team. To participate, they simply need to register in advance and check in at the Unit Challenge station on the day of the event.
Organizers will give away a limited number of T-shirts commemorating the event to those who complete the challenge. There will also be an online store where shirts can be purchased.
Food vendors Cold Blooded Coffee and Dave’s Bagels will also be on-site to keep everyone nourished and refreshed. Cold Blooded Coffee will also be providing free coffee for participants.
Sponsors of the event include Air Force ROTC, Army ROTC, Silkworm, Saluki Athletics, SIU Department of Public Safety, SIU Events and Outreach, SIU Veterans Services and the Office of the Vice Chancellor of Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. A full list of sponsors is listed on the webpage.
Learn more about the event and register at on the 9/11 Saluki Stair Climb webpage.