Remembrance Scholars Holding the Annual Convocation Tomorrow

By Olivia Maniscalco

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The virtual convocation for the 2021-2022 remembrance scholars is on April 30th at 4 p.m. Each year, 35 second semester juniors are selected to represent the 35 SU students  lost in the Pan Am Flight 103 terrorist attack. On December 21st, 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 was bombed down above Lockerbie, Scotland in a lethal terrorist attack. All 259 passengers and crew died. Among those were 35 SU students who were studying abroad in the London area.

Each scholar represents one victim in the tragic event. Linzy Dineen represents Amy Shapiro for the 2020-2021 scholars. Dineen resonates with Shapiro, even if they were not very similar on paper. Shapiro had a “zest for life” that was unlike anyone else. Dineen is deeply affected by her. She said that it takes a certain kind of person, who is prepared mentally, to be a remembrance scholar. It is the most important part of her time at SU, but it is definitely a huge responsibility to represent someone who died in such a tragic and unfair way.

Andrew Benbenek, a graduating senior, is only the second InclusiveU student to be a remembrance scholar. He represents Mark Tobin, who was an aspiring sports journalist. Benbenek is as well. He said it is an “honor” to represent someone with the same goals as him. 

Those whose as Remembrance scholars are recognized as future leaders with a strong desire to remember and learn. Those that died mean a lot to the SU community. They have a memorial in front of the Hall of Languages.