09/11/2026
Today, we honor the memory of the 2,977 people who died in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 as well as the many others who have died since that day from related illnesses. We especially remember and honor the four Chi Psi Brothers who died 25 years ago today. The memories of these Brothers are part of the fabric of Chi Psi. Each are honored in ways within Chi Psi as you will read in their bios.
Brothers, ye hast kept the trust
true to your fraternal ties.
Sweet be your repose in dust
mourned and loved by all Chi Psi.
Michael A. Tanner, Ψ ’79, was a starting quarterback for Cornell’s football team, an outstanding athlete and brother, loving husband to Michelle and doting father and coach to daughters Gianna and Sasha. As a counterpoint to his linebacker build and rocket arm, Mike was given the ironic nickname “Tiny,” which is how his colleagues on the trading floor at Cantor Fitzgerald referred to him. Brother Tanner passed away tragically on 9/11 while working for Cantor in the World Trade Center. He is greatly missed. Brother Tanner was honored with an inaugural brick at Alpha Psi’s Memorial Garden on the 20th anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001.
Cmdr. Robert A. Schlegel, USN, OΔ ’85, had just been selected for Command at Sea – to fight the war on terror as a commanding officer of a U.S. Navy ship – when he was killed in the Pentagon on 9/11. Brother Schlegel was a rising star in the Navy, and, following his death, he has been honored with a plaque on the Washington and Lee Memorial Gate, a flagpole in front of the Omicron Delta Lodge, and an annual cash stipend awarded to a Washington and Lee student who undertakes studies in foreign affairs or world peace.
Mark K. Bingham, ΔΔ ’93, was a national-champion rugby player at Cal and a former #1 at Delta Delta. He established two gay rugby clubs after college and the biennial world championship of LGBTQIA+ and inclusive rugby clubs bears his name. Brother Bingham, on his way to attend a fellow Chi Psi’s wedding, was joined by Jeremy Glick (brother of Jonah, OΔ ’90) and other passengers to overpower hijackers on their United flight #93 and divert the plane away from its original target in Washington, D.C. He is an American hero. Starting in 2012, each Friday morning at the Annual Convention Brothers and friends run a 5K in honor of Mark.
Adam S. White, ΨΔ ’96, and his best friend Ryan Means, ΨΔ ’96, grew up together in Atlanta before attending University of Colorado. Brother White perished in the World Trade Center on 9/11 while working for Cantor Fitzgerald. Brother Means in part to avenge Adam’s death joined the Army and became a member of the Special Forces. Their Bond of Brotherhood was strong and made stronger posthumously because of the terrible events of September 11th. On October 23rd, The Psi Delta Library will be named in their honor and will forever bear the names of two Brothers whose friendship, leadership and love for Chi Psi continue to inspire us.
