A 9/11 Memorial Garden was opened to the public on Friday, Aug. 26 with the benefactor and sculptor in attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony. The garden is a welcome addition to a campus already known for its beautiful gardens, but it also demonstrates the commitment to the college of a generous alumna.

Theresa Santmann of Babylon, donated the 8 foot sculpture and the landscaping. Ms. Santmann, owner of the Little Flower Nursing Home of East Islip, is a graduate of the Farmingdale State nursing program and is a member of the Farmingdale College Foundation.

The garden seeks to honor the loss of all life on September 11, 2001 including the lives of rescue animals. It features a life size bronze sculpture by well-known upstate New York artist, Liza Todd-Tivey. The sculpture depicts a rescue German shepherd in full rescue uniform, protective booties on each paw and a vest. The dog, which is at eye level, is moving down an eight-foot I-beam toward a firefighter's helmet at rubble surrounding the base of the I-beam. Part of the sculpture consists of recovered materials from Ground Zero. In describing how she felt after researching the crucial roles dogs play in rescue events, she wrote that she was in awe of, "... their incredible agility to go where people cannot, sense of smell and above all, willingness and loyalty to their human partners to do whatever is asked at whatever risk."

The sculpture is surrounded by evergreen trees and perennials, as well as garden benches for reflection. The garden was designed by horticulture professor Paul Fogelberg, and installed by Anchor Landscaping.

Dr. Jonathan Gibralter, president of Farmingdale State, said, "I hope that the garden was will bring comfort to the community. I am very grateful to Terry Santmann for her generosity to both Farmingdale State and the Long Island community."