On September 11, 2001, Aon Corporation, a leading global professional services firm, faced an unimaginable tragedy. The company occupied offices on the 92nd, 98th, and 100th floors of the South Tower of the World Trade Center. When American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower, the devastating events of the day began to unfold.
A Fateful Decision
Amid the uncertainty following the first attack, Eric Eisenberg, an Aon executive, made a decisive and courageous call to evacuate the company’s offices, despite the general belief that the South Tower was safe. Tragically, 176 Aon employees lost their lives when United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower. Eisenberg’s quick thinking, however, likely saved countless others, as those who evacuated early were able to escape the building before its collapse.
The Aon Memorial Education Fund
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Aon Corporation sought a way to honor the memories of their lost colleagues while providing support to the families they left behind. In 2002, the company established the Aon Memorial Education Fund (AMEF). This initiative was created to offer financial assistance for post-secondary education to the dependent children of the employees who perished in the attacks.
The AMEF is a testament to Aon’s commitment to supporting the families of its fallen colleagues and ensuring that their legacy endures through education. As of 2021, the fund has provided over $6.5 million in scholarships to 126 beneficiaries. This support has helped these children pursue their dreams, achieve their educational goals, and build futures that honor the memory of their loved ones.
A Legacy of Resilience
The Aon Memorial Education Fund continues to stand as a beacon of hope and resilience. It not only provides financial support but also reinforces the importance of community and remembrance. Each year, Aon commemorates the 176 colleagues lost on 9/11, ensuring that their lives and contributions are never forgotten.
Through the AMEF, Aon has created a living legacy for its fallen employees, turning tragedy into a force for good. The company’s commitment to supporting its community serves as an inspiring example of how organizations can rise above adversity to create meaningful and lasting change.
Continuing the Mission
Aon’s efforts to honor the memory of its colleagues extend beyond the AMEF. The company actively participates in remembrance events and fosters a culture of support and solidarity. This ongoing dedication reflects Aon’s values of compassion, integrity, and resilience in the face of challenges.
Remembering and Moving Forward
The story of Aon Corporation’s response to the events of 9/11 is one of courage, loss, and determination to rebuild. The company’s efforts to honor its fallen employees through the Aon Memorial Education Fund highlight the enduring impact of compassion and the power of education to shape lives.
As we remember the lives lost on that tragic day, we are reminded of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of supporting one another through the most difficult times. Aon’s commitment to its employees and their families ensures that the legacy of its 9/11 colleagues will never be forgotten.
Cited sources
Aon Corporation. Every day, we remember the 176 colleagues we lost on 9/11. Aon Media Room. Available at: https://aon.mediaroom.com/Every-Day-We-Remember-the-176-Colleagues-We-Lost-on-9-11#:~:text=Aon%20Memorial%20Education%20Fund%20helps%20continue%20the%20legacy&text=Today%2C%20the%20AMEF%20continues%20to,to%20further%20supplement%20AMEF%20funding. [Accessed 21 Jan. 2025].
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