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September 11, 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks perpetrated by al-Qaeda that left 2,977 dead. It also marks 30 years since James A. Greenleaf ’91 Conn graduated. Greenleaf, a foreign currency trader at the World Trade Center, died in the attacks on the Twin Towers.
To honor Greenleaf and the legacy he left behind, Conn created the Jim Greenleaf ’91 Memorial Award from the 2002 academic year.
“The Jim Greenleaf ’91 Memorial Award is presented to two individuals – a man and a woman – to honor their contributions to the College’s club sports program. The award is named after James A. Greenleaf ’91, captain of the men’s rugby club and friend and pillar of support for all, whose life tragically ended on September 11, 2001, in the Twin Towers of New York. Jim was respected by all for his commitment, leadership, sportsmanship, and overall excellence both in college and in his career as a financier. Winners are chosen based on their demonstration of these same qualities. We hope that the recipients of this award will remember and enhance the prestige of the College through their continued excellence.
The Conn Award was created by two Greenleaf classmates and rugby teammates, Adam Gimbel ’91 and Anton Malko ’91.
Malko remembered Greenleaf on the rugby pitch as “always the first to the ball; he just had an incredible engine.
“Jim was a leading guy. It was obvious then, and even more so now looking back, that he was a person known for his actions, ”added Malko.
“He was a captain in the team. He was an amazing example to follow and when we thought after his death about the impact he had on a lot of people, we really thought it was cool to imagine recognizing the athletes who compete for their school in outside of intercollegiate athletics. These are authentic experiences that we enjoy every year when we see a student being recognized.
“We appreciate the fact that there are a lot of young men and women doing an amazing job, and that we can all be on the same page on what Jim stood for, which is to be there. for others and to be responsible. ”
Gimbel echoed these sentiments and knew that after the 9/11 attacks he had to do something positive for his friend.
“Jim was smart, motivated, athletic and fun; it’s kind of a great mix. It bothered me that Jim was able to do so much, but because of the 9/11 attacks, he didn’t get the chance. He was deprived of his life because he chose to go to work.
“Our community has experienced a terrible national and personal tragedy and the world has changed badly. These things came together in what happened to my good friend. So I decided, “Well, I would like to do something” and some of my friends felt the same, which led to the plaque and the tree on the south campus, as well as the prize. annual for the best male and female club. athlete, ”recalls Gimbel.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the awards were not given in 2020. In winning the awards, the two recent recipients described how their sports experience at a club in Conn has helped them grow.
Brie Duseau ’19, who was president of the women’s football club, said: “It was gratifying to see all the hundreds of little ways ‘club football’ could brighten up someone’s day, create new friendships and new relationships. , or be that little thing someone was looking forward to at the end of their day.
Conor Xanders ’20, who was president of the Ultimate Frisbee Men’s Club, said his time with the team “helped me find my voice as a leader, but it also showed me how people around you can teach you and help you grow as an individual.
In addition to the award, Conn created the 9/11 Garden located off Tempel Green with the help of a gift from the Class of 1997 and the Class of 2003. It was designed by students, faculty and Conn’s staff, and planted in 2003.
Greenleaf, originally from Waterford, Connecticut, has had a huge influence on many lives. Surviving family members established a scholarship fund in his name to provide financial assistance to students attending St. Bernards High School, as well as graduates of Waterford High School, Fitch High School and New London High School, for their tuition fees.
“From the family he cherished to the friends who admired and respected him, his life is an inspiration to others,” said the foundation.
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