His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama made his first visit to Syracuse University Oct. 9, 1979, lecturing a crowd in Hendricks Chapel on enhancing inner tranquility and stability. At the time of his first appearance on campus, his visit was not the only “current event” on campus. Below are a few events tied to the SU campus occurring about the same time, with words and images drawn from the print archive of the SU Record:
— a gala tribute was planned for the late Ernie Davis, complete with a New York City dinner featuring Floyd Little, John Brown, Jim Brown and others;
— the annual Parents Weekend celebration included activities for families and students;
— the Carrier Dome, just under construction, engendered much discussion about timing and choice of events to be held in the new structure, along with proposed operating philosophy and procedures for the new 50,000-seat stadium; and
— a campus fundraising campaign for United Way saw Chancellor Melvin Eggers lift off from the Quad in a hot air balloon.
Now, as His Holiness visits SU again for the Common Ground for Peace events and One World Concert, how times have changed … or have they?
— the presence of Ernie Davis is still felt on campus, notably in a namesake residence hall, a central-campus statue and the legacy of number 44;
— events tied to the signature annual tradition now named Family Weekend energized campus just the weekend before the symposium and concert, inviting families to connect with their students in their new home away from home;
— the Carrier Dome, in fact, now does host concerts, sport and cultural events; and
— the Campaign for Syracuse University recently marked the significant milestone of surpassing its goal of $1 billion.
Déjà-vu, anyone?
