Syracuse University Remembrance Scholarship: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future

The Syracuse University Remembrance Scholarship stands as one of the most prestigious honors a student can achieve. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also carries a profound responsibility: to educate the campus community about the tragic bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988. The Remembrance Scholarship serves as a living memorial, ensuring that the memory of those lost continues to inspire future generations.

Selection Criteria: A Holistic Approach

The selection process for the Remembrance Scholarship is rigorous and multifaceted, focusing on more than just academic achievement. Successful candidates are chosen based on a combination of factors that demonstrate their commitment to making a difference in the world. The key criteria include:

Community Impact: This encompasses a student's involvement in service to the military, ROTC, first responder units, student government, campus clubs, or other community organizations, both on and off campus.
Leadership: Demonstrated leadership skills are essential, reflecting the ability to inspire and guide others toward positive change.
Creativity: The scholarship seeks individuals who can think outside the box and develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
Thoughtful Academic Inquiry: A strong academic record and a commitment to intellectual exploration are also considered.

The Scholarship Award and Responsibilities

Each year, 35 rising seniors are selected as Remembrance Scholars, each receiving a $5,000 scholarship. However, the scholarship is more than just a financial award; it comes with a significant responsibility. Remembrance Scholars are tasked with:

Educating the SU Campus Community: Scholars actively work to raise awareness about the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing and its lasting impact.
Promoting Initiatives: They are expected to develop and support initiatives that combat hatred and extremism, fostering a more inclusive and understanding campus environment.
Meaningful Service: Engaging in service activities that benefit the community is a core component of the scholarship.
Remembrance Week Activities: Scholars play a central role in planning, organizing, publicizing, and participating in Remembrance Week events, including the candlelight vigil, "Act Forward" symposium, and the rose-laying and convocation ceremonies.

Remembrance Week: A Time for Reflection and Action

Remembrance Week, typically held annually, is a cornerstone of the Remembrance Scholarship program. During this week, the SU community comes together to remember the victims of the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing and to reflect on the lessons learned from this tragedy. Key events during Remembrance Week include:

Candlelight Vigil: A solemn event where the names of those lost are read aloud, and candles are lit in their memory.
"Act Forward" Symposium: A forum for discussing issues related to terrorism, peace, and social justice.
Rose-Laying Ceremony: A symbolic gesture of remembrance where roses are laid at the Place of Remembrance on campus.
Convocation Ceremonies: Formal gatherings where the Remembrance Scholars are recognized and where speakers address the importance of remembering the past and working towards a better future.

The Place of Remembrance: A Sacred Space

The Pan Am Flight 103 Place of Remembrance on the Syracuse University campus serves as a constant reminder of the tragedy. The memorial is dedicated to the 270 men, women, and children who lost their lives in the bombing, including the 35 Syracuse University students studying abroad.

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Other Scholarship Opportunities at Syracuse University

While the Remembrance Scholarship is a highly esteemed award, Syracuse University offers a wide range of other scholarships, awards, and prizes to recognize and support its students. These opportunities are available through various colleges and departments, including the College of Arts and Sciences.

College of Arts and Sciences Scholarships and Awards

Students in the College of Arts and Sciences have access to numerous awards, prizes, and scholarships tailored to their academic achievements and future goals. Students are encouraged to review the available opportunities and apply to those that align with their qualifications. In addition to college-wide opportunities, individual departments may offer honor societies, academic clubs, and other awards specific to their disciplines.

Syracuse University Scholars

Each year, a select group of graduating seniors is designated as Syracuse University Scholars. Each school and college nominates students based on academic excellence, and a selection committee chooses eight to twelve students from among the nominees. Criteria for selection include outstanding performance in coursework, exceptional academic attainment, co-curricular activities indicative of scholarly and intellectual excellence, and recognition by the wider community for academic achievement.

Newell W. Rossman, Jr. Scholarships in the Humanities

These scholarships honor a distinguished former administrator of Syracuse University and are awarded to current sophomores and juniors majoring in humanities programs. Recipients are chosen based on academic and personal excellence.

The Sam and Arlene Straight Chemistry Scholarship

Established in 2012, this scholarship supports high-achieving chemistry majors in their Syracuse University education. Eligible students must have junior standing or higher, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and demonstrate financial need.

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Dr. Recognition Award

This award recognizes outstanding College of Arts and Sciences seniors pursuing careers in medicine. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, be eligible for Health Professions Advisory Committee Sponsorship, and demonstrate financial need.

The Jonathan Chayat Memorial Award

This award commemorates Jonathan Chayat, a 1976 graduate of Syracuse University. It is given to an undergraduate junior or senior who embodies intellectual and moral qualities, demonstrates a genuine involvement in the arts, and actively participates in the Syracuse University community.

The Deborah A. Coquillon Memorial Award

Established in memory of Deborah Anne Bonk Coquillon, this award supports an exceptional College of Arts and Sciences graduating senior who demonstrates the need for financial assistance to pursue post-graduation goals. The awardee should be committed to assisting and/or advocating for others.

The Matthew Ross Wanetik Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship honors Matthew Wanetik, an undergraduate student at Syracuse University. It is awarded to an undergraduate student in The College of Arts and Sciences who is actively engaged in the campus community and exemplifies kindness, curiosity, and charm.

The Mark and Pearle Clements Internship Awards

These awards enable Syracuse University students to undertake internships that would not be possible without financial help.

The Lockerbie Scholars Program: A Bridge Between Two Communities

In addition to the Remembrance Scholars program, Syracuse University has a long-standing partnership with Lockerbie, Scotland, through the Lockerbie Scholars program. Established in 1989, this program initially brought two students from Lockerbie Academy to study at Syracuse University for a year. The Lockerbie Scholars represent the eleven Lockerbie residents who were killed in the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing.

Proposed Changes to the Lockerbie Scholars Program

Recently, Syracuse University announced proposed changes to the Lockerbie Scholars program, replacing the year-long study abroad experience with a one-week immersion trip for a group of 11 to 12 students from Lockerbie Academy. This decision has sparked concern among former scholars and community members, who fear that it will diminish the impact of the program and weaken the bonds between the two communities.

Concerns and Criticisms

Many former Lockerbie Scholars have expressed disappointment with the proposed changes, arguing that a week-long visit is insufficient to foster the deep understanding and personal connections that the year-long program provided. They worry that the change will decrease general knowledge and conversations about the bombing among the SU and Lockerbie communities. Some scholars believe the alumni network would have been willing to donate to a scholarship fund to maintain the program.

The Importance of Remembrance

Professor Emeritus Lawrence Mason Jr., SUâs Remembrance and Lockerbie ambassador, has been directly involved with the Lockerbie program since its inception and taught nine of the students who died in the Pan Am flight bombing. He said he was shocked upon learning about the changes. He emphasized the importance of finding ways to keep the memories of Pan Am 103 and Lockerbie alive.

The Enduring Legacy of Remembrance

The Syracuse University Remembrance Scholarship and related programs serve as a testament to the enduring power of remembrance. By honoring the memory of those lost in the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing, Syracuse University strives to educate future generations, promote peace and understanding, and foster a more compassionate world.

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