Remembrance Scholars present plans to ‘move forward’ at Rose Laying Ceremony
Friday’s Rose Ceremony was one of the final events of Remembrance Week, during which each scholar recognizes the victim they represent and shares the lessons learned. This year’s ceremony marks 37 years since the bombing. Isabella Flores | Staff Photographer
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Each of Syracuse University’s 35 Remembrance Scholars walked out of the Hall of Languages Friday afternoon. They held a singular white rose, prepared to honor victims of the 1988 Pan Am Flight 103 bombing with their plans to “move forward.”
Friday’s Rose Ceremony was one of the final events of Remembrance Week, during which each scholar recognizes the victim they represent and shares the lessons learned. This year’s ceremony marks 37 years since the bombing.
As scholars gathered at the Place of Remembrance and laid their roses down, the Crouse College chimes rang 35 times, representing the 35 victims from SU.
The 10 visiting Lockerbie Scholars also made remarks, laying roses for the 11 victims killed on the ground in Lockerbie, Scotland.
“The Rose Laying Ceremony represents our most sacred commitment to remembrance, a solemn promise to honor the 270 lives taken from us in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, including the 35 beloved Syracuse University students whose futures were cut short,” Remembrance Scholar Nick Dekaney said in opening remarks.
Dekaney said the ceremony serves as an opportunity to recognize and honor each “precious” life lost in the bombing, with each rose carrying sorrow for those who were lost. The memories of those gone will not be forgotten, he said.
The unity between Lockerbie and Syracuse University was ensured by previous Chancellor Melvin Eggers. Dekaney said SU will pursue its “unwavering” continuance to honor the victims of Flight 103.
“We have embraced each and every responsibility of representing the 270 victims, we have read and reflected on their compassion, ambition and fortitude, and we celebrate the impact each of them had,” Dekaney said. “We do so with their memory in the foreground, our commitment to remembrance is only as meaningful as our willingness to share it with others.”
Following Dekaney’s opening remarks, the a capella group Otto Tunes performed “Fire and Rain,” composed by James Taylor and arranged by Remembrance Scholar Logan Wagner.
The 35 scholars spoke individually about the traits each of their honorees is remembered for and how they will embody Remembrance Week’s motto of “look back, act forward.”
Anya von Wolff, laying her rose in memory of Nicole Boulanger — commemorated for her genuine enthusiasm — said she will act forward by creating naturally dyed and sourced clothing to reduce chemical exposure.
Honoring Gretchen Dater, Scholar Ethan Shavelson said she is remembered for her dream of inspiring youth through art. In his efforts to become a theatrical director, Shavelson said he hopes to inspire others with their “shared love” of capturing stories.
Student Government Association President German Nolivos, honoring Christopher Jones, said Jones had a gift for connecting with others. Nolivos hopes to move forward and use connections to build a better future for himself and his community, saying that “together it can grow stronger.”
Honoring victim Wendy Lincoln, Joy Mao commemorated Lincoln’s beauty both inside and out, calling her a “true artist who saw the world clearly.” She said Lincoln is remembered for her kindness and humility. Mao will march forward through creating impactful policy and sharing stories that make a difference.
Jacqueline Arbogast laid her rose for the victims from other universities, focusing on Seton Hall University senior Beth Johnson. Arbogast described her as a gifted, bright, all-encompassing soul.
“I am acting forward as a remembrance scholar to remind those that lives may be lost but not forgotten, by passing my knowledge about those who are part of this horrible tragedy to generations that come after me,” Arbogast said.
Representing the 16-person flight crew of Pan Am Flight 103, Ellie Allen highlighted that the crew came from a variety of backgrounds but shared the same commitment to their work and service. She said she will move forward by elevating the stories of others and teaching key skills to youth.
Lockerbie Scholars Grace Key and Amelia Cameron gave closing remarks, where the two commemorated the 11 victims killed on the ground in Lockerbie.
“All of them knew what it was like to live in a street where neighbors would help with the shopping, friends would come for a cup of tea, where children would play in the street and families would gather for celebration,” Key said.
Key pledged to cherish all the friendships and bonds she makes for those who never had the chance. She and the other Lockerbie Scholars laid roses for the victims killed in Lockerbie.
“It is difficult to explain the interconnectedness you feel to people whom we’ve never met. Yet there is an undeniable power in sharing the same experiences that come with being an SU student,” Dekaney said. “Now, nearly 40 years later, we have embraced each and every responsibility of representing the 270 victims.”
