Remembering the 25th Anniversary of the Boland Hall Fire

On Sunday, January 26, 2025, the Seton Hall University community gathered in solemn reflection at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception for a Memorial Mass commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Boland Hall fire. The chapel, filled to capacity, hosted survivors, family members and friends of the deceased, first responders, students, alumni and university administrators.

The tragic fire, which occurred in the early hours of January 19, 2000, claimed the lives of freshmen Aaron Karol, Frank Caltabilota, Jr. and John Giunta. It injured 58 others, including students and first responders. Amidst the sorrow, the day has served as a testament to resilience, unity and the enduring power of faith.

Monsignor Joseph Reilly, S.T.L., Ph.D., president of the University, celebrated the Mass alongside concelebrants from the priest community who were on-campus during the time of the fire. Reflecting on the loss and the strength found in community, he shared, “Twenty-five years have passed since that terrible tragic night and we gather in the same place, our home, this holy ground. Our tears that night, and anxiety and sadness were there. We turn to the same God for hope that Jesus might continue to fulfill this enduring hope… to strengthen us, to comfort us and to sustain us in our lives of faith.”

The service honored the lives of Aaron, Frank and John, whose bright futures were cut tragically short. Joe Karol, the father of Aaron, reflected on the unrealized potential of the three young men. “Frank, John and Aaron were all energetic, friendly young men. Full of life and enjoying their campus experience at Seton Hall. Only 18 years old, they already had career goals: John to be an elementary teacher, Frank a doctor and Aaron a profiler for the FBI. If they had lived, I wonder who at 43 years old they would have married, how many children they would have, where they would be living and even what they would look like.”

The tragedy led to critical changes in residence hall and fire safety in New Jersey and across the country. In the aftermath, New Jersey passed legislation requiring sprinkler systems in all residence halls, regardless of their age. “Sometimes out of tragedy, something good can result,” Karol said. “Students seated here today are safe because Seton Hall started retrofitting older dorms before the law was even enacted.”

In addition to legislative changes, the fire has inspired enduring acts of generosity. Karol also highlighted the enduring impact of the tragedy through initiatives like the Aspiring Kindness Foundation,  founded by friends of Aaron Karol. Among the Foundation’s contributions are scholarships for Seton Hall students actively serving in first responder roles. In this way and many others, the lives of Aaron, Frank and John continue to make an impact.

Following Mass, attendees participated in a procession and wreath-laying ceremony at the Remembrance Circle in front of Boland Hall, reminding all of the threads connecting the present to the morning of January 19, 2000: the power of love, compassion, kindness, generosity and strength that comes from leaning into each other.

“The power of one person living a positive life and trying to help other people even in the midst of challenges and difficulties… that is what sets Seton Hall apart,” Monsignor Reilly reflected during the ceremony. “It’s about trying to help other people and living and manifesting God’s loving presence to others.”

Continuing the Conversation: After the Fire

Survivors Shawn Simons and Alvaro Llanos, who have spent years sharing their story of recovery and resilience, will return to campus on Tuesday, February 18 at 7 p.m. to discuss the fire with students. The event, hosted by the Campus Inclusion Center, offers an opportunity for the next generation of Pirates to learn from the past and continue the legacy of compassion and community.

For more details, click here.

Categories: Campus Life