SU Hosts Annual Remembrance Scholar Convocation

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (CITRUSTV NEWS) — On Dec. 21, 1988, 270 citizens lost their lives to a terrorist attack on Pan Am Flight 103. 35 members of the flight were Syracuse University students returning from their study abroad trip.

Each year, Syracuse holds Remembrance Week and chooses 35 current seniors to represent each of the 35 Syracuse University victims.

Today (Oct. 24), the Remembrance Scholar Convocation is held to honor those students working to Look Back and Act Forward.

The students are chosen based on their academic standing and commitment to the Syracuse Community. 

This event typically takes place in the afternoon on Friday of remembrance week. The event included music from the Hendricks Chapel choir. Pen and ink drawings of the student victims were displayed, honoring their legacy and ensuring that it lives on. 

This event began with remarks from Dean Brian Konkol of Hendricks Chapel, as well as Chancellor Kent Syverud. Syverud gave a heartfelt speech about savoring each day, not realizing it might be your last.

“On that day, our students on the plane and our friends in Lockerbie on the ground never knew they had their last Christmas or holidays. On that day, so many here in Syracuse never knew that they had already been with beloved classmates and students for the last time. When that realization that the last time had passed already, it was pretty much unbearable to so many of us here at Syracuse,” said Syverud. 

This year’s student speaker was Broadcast and Digital Journalism major Nico Horning, who spoke about losing his best friend and the grief that comes with that. Horning spoke about how important storytelling is to him and how he will use storytelling to carry on the legacy of the 35 students lost. 

The 11 Lockerbie scholars were honored at the event as well, given a medal by the university. Remembrance Scholarship applications are opening in November for those entering their senior year. 

Reporter: Maddie Ritter