SU to commemorate World AIDS Day Dec. 1

SU to commemorate World AIDS Day Dec. 1December 01, 2004Michele Barrettmibarret@syr.edu

On Wednesday, Dec. 1, Syracuse University will hold a special ceremony in front of Hendricks Chapel on the main Quad to observe World AIDS Day.

The ceremony will begin at 12:30 p.m. in front of Hendricks Chapel. Members of the campus community will make brief statements about the how individuals and communities are affected by HIV and AIDS, and there will be a ribbon ceremony and moment of silence to honor those who have perished from this disease.

In addition to the events on the Quad, the sponsoring organizations will host a table at the Schine Student Center from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Informational handouts will be available and students will be able to design their own squares for an SU AIDS quilt. Red ribbons will also be given away. Three SU Division of Student Affairs units-Health Services, the R.A.P.E. Center and the SAPHE Office-are co-sponsoring events in conjunction with two SU student organizations, the AIDS Task Force and Alpha Phi Omega.

World AIDS Day is an annual international event. It celebrates the progress that has been made in the battle against the AIDS epidemic, raises awareness about remaining challenges and reaffirms dedication to combating AIDS. This year’s theme is “Women, Girls, HIV and AIDS.” The World AIDS Campaign 2004 addresses how women’s inequality increases the transmission and the impact of HIV. The campaign calls for action against the inequalities that not only put women and girls at risk but whole communities.

For more information, call Janet Epstein, R.A.P.E. Center Director, at (315) 443-7098.