Barbara Heinemann retired from the University of Minnesota College of Design in 2011, and now serves as one of the greeters on the UMRA Host Team Committee. She wrote this reflection for a meeting of the committee on September 11, 2026, and graciously agreed to share it with the UMRA membership, too. —Kristine Mortensen, editor

September 11, 2001, is a very personal day for me, for more than the obvious reason. My father died on September 11, 1993, so that date is permanently etched in my brain. My dad loved numbers and I’ve often thought he easily could have picked that date to leave this world: 9-1-1-1-9-9-3 (three 9s, three 1s, and one 3). It’s an interesting interplay of numbers. I know there is a mathematical concept there, but, not being a mathematician, I don’t quite remember what it is. Something about numbers being divisible or prime or something.

On 9/11/2001, I had an appointment at the wound center for a non-healing surgical wound in my ankle. The day started as usual until I saw the planes hit the towers live on television, and listened to the news on my drive to that appointment. When I arrived, I was shown to the same examination room where I had been with my father when he learned that he had no circulation in his legs, requiring a double amputation. The only comforting thought I had was visualizing my parents (my mother had died by then, too) welcoming all those innocent souls into heaven.

Once there were memorial services for the victims of that day, and they started reading names, the first name they read was “Archie Aamoth.” He and my son went to school together, and he also was the nephew of very close friends! It’s amazing how small the world can become.

Engaged, thoughtful, and committed

[The late] Joanne Eicher, my UMN graduate adviser, mentor, and staunch supporter, urged me to join UMRA back when the group met at the Campus Club. What I discovered was a group of like-minded people who are engaged, thoughtful, and committed to a wide variety of activities and interests. The forums are stimulating and offer speakers with diverse passions. And no matter how removed I am from their disciplines, I am always fascinated by their presentations, as well as their fields of study. 

I’ve always loved the energy of campus, especially in the fall on the Minneapolis campus. It makes me feel alive and connected to something bigger than myself. 

When I was an adviser, I used to tell new students who were a bit daunted by the University’s size, to think of the University as a city with many different neighborhoods. For instance, there is the science sector, the historical area, the language group, the art center, the theater district — but, most important, it’s an opportunity to explore ideas and differences, to learn new concepts, and try new things. The campus in St. Paul is the bucolic, neighboring town with its own vitality and energy. 

I am eternally grateful for the experiences and opportunities I’ve been given during my days as a student and as staff. Being an adviser was the best job I’ve ever had, and it’s all been a learning experience beyond my wildest dreams!