“Look Back, Act Forward”
Announced by Chancellor Melvin Eggers at the January 1989 memorial service in the Carrier Dome, the first Remembrance and Lockerbie scholarships were awarded for the 1990-1991 academic year. Each year, 35 outstanding Syracuse University students in their senior year of study are selected on the merits of their character, leadership, and academic achievement. The Remembrance Scholars represent the Syracuse University study abroad students killed in the bombing. The Remembrance Scholarship is among the highest University honors an undergraduate can receive. They are joined by the Lockerbie Scholars — two students from Scotland who study at the University for one year. The Lockerbie Scholars represent the 11 residents of Lockerbie whose lives were lost as a result of the disaster, as well as Andrew McClune, a 2002-2003 Lockerbie Scholar who tragically died during his scholarship year.
The mission of the Scholars is to educate the campus community about terrorism and Pan Am Flight 103 and, through education and service, to honor the lives of all 270 victims. Beginning in 1996, the Scholars have worked together to plan Remembrance Week — a week of events and installations designed to educate the campus community and encourage others to have a positive impact on the world. The week culminates with a Rose-Laying Ceremony at the Place of Remembrance and a convocation recognizing the Scholars’ achievements.
The first Lockerbie Scholars — Katharine Grant and Fiona Griffin — arrived at Syracuse University for the 1990-1991 academic year.
Students awarded the distinction of Remembrance Scholar are recognized in several ways, including through the presentation of various pieces of regalia. Seen here are a lapel pin given to students upon the announcement of their scholarship and a Remembrance Scholar ribbon worn during the Rose-Laying Ceremony and Remembrance Scholar Convocation. Each Remembrance Scholar is also presented with an honor stole to be worn during convocation and commencement exercises.
The first official Remembrance Week at Syracuse University was organized by the Remembrance and Lockerbie Scholar cohort of 1996-1997 in recognition of the fact that the majority of students attending the University at that time had not been enrolled when the disaster occurred and did not possess a direct personal connection to those who were killed. In an effort to offer both an historical perspective on the origins of the scholarship program, the events of December 21, 1988, and the aftermath of the bombing, as well as the implications of terrorism in their current political moment, Scholars organized a week of programming including speakers, expert panels, and commemorative services.
The tradition of Remembrance Week has only grown in the years since its first iteration in 1996. Events and programming arranged by the Remembrance and Lockerbie Scholars often include a candlelight vigil, expert panels on terrorism and its representations, retrospective guest lectures from those directly affected by the disaster, tribute performances, and informational and artistic installations. The “35 Empty Seats” display has become a staple feature of Remembrance Week. Installed each year on the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle, this piece consists of 35 chairs marked with the names and seat numbers of Syracuse University study abroad students killed in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103.