As rescue workers sifted through the rubble at the World Trade Center, Harvard graduates across the country continued efforts to account for classmates and friends who may have been affected by Tuesday’s terrorist attack.

Lists of people who made it to safety began appearing on the Internet and over e-mail lists. One such, list, originally compiled from postings to the Class of 1999 e-mail list, quickly expanded yesterday to include more than 800 graduates from the past decade. Jason E. Whitlow ’99, who has been updating the list on his website, expressed a feeling of restrained relief that many other alumi shared.

“I haven’t heard of anyone who’s not okay,” he said.

Every year, scores of Harvard graduates move to New York to work for investment banks, consulting firms and other businesses in the financial district. The tragedy undoubtedly affected those living and working near the Twin Towers, but with friends and classmates across the city and the nation, its effects extended far past the smoke and flame.

Those who were nearby speak of sights they will never forget, while those observing the events from a distance are still trying to understand what has happened and who may have been hurt.

Close Encounters

Braxton J. Robbason ’97-’98 works at 11 Park Place, three blocks from the World Trade Center (WTC). From his desk he heard a low flying plane followed by a sound “like the the popping of a brown paper bag filled with air.”

Kevin Carr ’01 was getting dressed in his apartment two blocks north of the WTC when he heard an explosion followed by numerous car alarms. He first thought that it was an accident at a nearby construction site, but then his roommate came running into the apartment.