MARQUETTE, Mich.—Lt. Col. Kip Taylor, a Northern Michigan University alumnus with Marquette ties who was killed in the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon, will be memorialized with the dedication of a plaque on the NMU campus. The ceremony will be held at 12:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Veterans' Rock near the east entrance of the University Center. The public is invited.

Northern’s military science department is joining with community organizations and residents in planning the event, which coincides with the 40th anniversary of ROTC at NMU and the department's alumni weekend.

"A cornerstone of strength for NMU cadets past, present and future remains Kip Taylor, for no other cadet sacrificed so much for his country," said Maj. Kyle Rambo, who recently became the new commander of the ROTC Wildcat Battalion. "I was shocked and disappointed to learn that no formal memorial had ever been dedicated on campus. This is the result of multiple requests. I merely listened and agreed that action was needed to make this a reality. Susan Henderson, our department secretary, came up with the idea of positioning a plaque on Veterans' Rock.”

Kip was the son of Kay Taylor and the late Lt. Col. Donald Taylor. He was raised throughout the world. The family eventually settled in Marquette, where his father headed the university’s military science program. Taylor entered NMU on both ROTC and basketball scholarships and served as team captain. He earned a bachelor’s degree in management in 1985 and was commissioned by his father into the Adjutant General Corps.

Taylor was 38 at the time of his death. He was killed six weeks before the birth of his son, John, and shortly before his son Dean’s second birthday. His wife, the former Nancy Ann Melvin, passed away in 2003. Taylor’s many service awards include the Legion of Merit and Purple Heart, both awarded posthumously.

Funds to support the cost of the plaque and installation are being sought from the public. Donations can be made to The Ranger Club, a non-profit NMU student organization, through the department of military science. Advance RSVPs would be appreciated from those planning to attend the memorial dedication. Please contact military science at 227-2236.