History of the Memorial Courtyard

A place of beauty, peace and remembrance

The Memorial Courtyard is designed to provide visitors with a peaceful place to remember, honor and celebrate alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of Binghamton University who have died. As the seasons change, so too does the courtyard, reminding visitors of the continuous cycle of life.

History

The Memorial Courtyard was dedicated on Oct. 12, 2002, in memory of the 15 Binghamton University alumni who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. More than 300 people gathered in the courtyard, located at the center of the Fine Arts building, viewing for the first time the granite monument commemorating the 15 alumni. Hundreds of tulip and daffodil bulbs were planted by family, friends, students, faculty and alumni in memory of those lost. 

Since that day, new memorials have been added honoring other departed members of the University community. Bronze plaques bearing their names are located in the courtyard. Around the monuments, the courtyard has been made even more beautiful with additional flowers, plantings, bluestone, an irrigation system, benches, lighting and arbors.

The courtyard and its enhancement were made possible through generous donations. A display at the courtyard entrance was added to acknowledge gifts of $500 or more. The courtyard was brought to life by Michael Radner ’86, who donated part of his professional services as a landscape architect.

In summer 2009, the garden was expanded to include an upper courtyard with more green space, plantings, seating, lighting and bluestone walkways.

The beauty of the courtyard is maintained and will continue to flourish for years to come through additional gifts from alumni and friends. Gifts to support the Memorial Courtyard may be made online.