How One Woman and a Small Canadian Town Changed Lives — and The World
On September 11th, 2001, as the world watched horror unfold in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania, an unlikely scene of resilience and kindness quietly emerged in a small Newfoundland town. Nearly 6,600 airline passengers were diverted to the tiny town of Gander due to U.S. airspace closures. And among them was Shirley Brooks-Jones, whose legacy of gratitude and action would resonate for a generation to come.
From The Ohio State University to International Goodwill
Shirley Brooks-Jones spent 35 years at The Ohio State University, rising from a clerk stenographer to a senior administrative professional. There, she cultivated skills in public service, administration, and fundraising, learning by example and championing inclusion. Whether by innovating faculty and staff giving campaigns or including branch campuses in university initiatives.
Her work not only connected people but fostered a deep appreciation for service and selflessness. It was this spirit that she carried into her fateful journey aboard Delta Flight 15 on 9/11.
The Unexpected Landing: Gander, Newfoundland
Suspended for 28 hours aboard her plane after being diverted from Frankfurt, Shirley found herself in extraordinary circumstances. She was uncertain of the tragedy’s full scope but steadfast in calm and gratitude. The passengers aboard Delta 15 included people from Ukraine, India, and across the globe, all united by circumstance.
What sets their story apart was the response of the island’s residents. And especially those in the fishing village of Lewisporte (thirty miles from Gander). They embraced hundreds of “Plane People” as their own.
The Power and Reach of Community Response
What Shirley witnessed in Lewisporte was empathy in action. The Lions Club, local doctors, pharmacists, and townspeople opened their doors, kitchens, and hearts to stranded passengers, providing food, toiletries, comfort, and even medical care. All of this entirely free, refusing any monetary compensation.
Children offered their own toys and blankets. Striking schoolbus drivers left picket lines to shuttle newcomers. Amid the convulsions of a world turned upside down, these small acts became extraordinary. It became an unwavering affirmation that, even in darkness, kindness prevails.
From Gratitude to Action: The Birth of a Scholarship Fund
For Shirley, being cared for by the Lions Club was particularly poignant. As a child, it was the Lions who had made it possible for her to receive eyeglasses, changing her life’s trajectory. She was determined to repay the town’s generosity without offending the dignity of its residents. So she spearheaded the Lewisporte Area Flight 15 Scholarship Fund as soon as her feet touched U.S. soil.
The pledges were collected from her fellow passengers before the flight even landed. And with help from organizations like The Columbus Foundation and the Rotary Club, the fund became reality. Growing from $15,000 to $2 million over the years. The impact: 461 scholarships awarded since 2002, enabling students from Lewisporte and its surrounding villages to attend university or vocational training. More than money, these scholarships represent hope, encouragement, and a living reminder of the world’s goodness.
A Legacy Recognized: Honors and Continued Inspiration
For her enduring commitment, Shirley was awarded the Medal of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrado (the first non-Newfoundlander to receive the honor) as well as other recognitions. Her story is immortalized in the Tony-nominated Broadway musical “Come From Away.” Her character, poignantly, is portrayed by James Earl Jones II.
And yet, what matters most to Shirley is not the accolades but the ongoing impact. Young scholarship recipients becoming leaders, returning to their communities, paying forward the spirit of compassion.
“There are more good people than bad people in the world,” she believes. Evidence she’s seen reaffirmed with every graduation, hug, and thank-you from those touched by generosity.
Carrying the Torch: Advice for the Next Generation
Now nearing 90, Shirley continues to encourage others, especially retirees, to engage with life, volunteer, join service clubs, and look for new ways to give back. As she says, “the feelings that you get from doing those things really energize you…” Her journey is a testament to the difference one person can make, and to the enduring truth that, out of tragedy, kindness can blossom into legacies that endure.
5 Frequently Asked Questions about the Lewisporte Scholarship Fund and Shirley Brooks Jones
- What is the Lewisporte Scholarship Fund, and how did it begin?
The Fund was started by Shirley Brooks-Jones and other Delta Flight 15 passengers as a way to repay the kindness shown by Lewisporte residents during 9/11. It began with $15,000 in pledges and has grown to $2 million, awarding scholarships to local students. - How did the residents of Newfoundland support the “Plane People”?
Townspeople provided essentials like food, shelter, clothing, and emotional comfort, even as some were on strike or had little themselves. They organized logistics and brought personal items and supplies for the stranded passengers. - Who is eligible to receive a Lewisporte Scholarship?
Graduates from Lewisporte Collegiate and its surrounding outport villages who meet the academic (85% average), volunteering, and essay requirements can receive a scholarship. - How is the story connected to the musical ‘Come From Away’?
Shirley Brooks-Jones’s experience as a passenger and her efforts in Lewisporte are featured in the Tony-nominated musical ‘Come From Away,’ which dramatizes the events in Gander after 9/11. - What advice does Shirley Brooks-Jones offer to retirees about staying active and fulfilled?
She encourages joining service organizations, getting involved in the community, and using one’s skills to help others, emphasizing that giving back is energizing and deeply rewarding.
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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.
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Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
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