Look Back, Act Forward
Each year in the fall, Syracuse University observes Remembrance Week. Events are designed by the Remembrance and Lockerbie Scholars, whose goal is to raise campus and community awareness of terrorism and to encourage the entire Syracuse University community to remember the victims of the Pan Am 103 bombing by becoming involved and working to positively impact others.
As our campus and community looks back on a senseless tragedy, we find comfort and meaning in remembering the lives and passions of those who lost their lives on December 21, 1988 and especially in acting – on their behalf – to make the communities we live in better. All activities are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.
For information about past Remembrance Week events, please contact the Pan Am Flight 103/Lockerbie Air Disaster Archives.
Remembrance Week
October 18-24, 2026
All Week
Remembrance Quilt Display, Hendricks Chapel – The Syracuse University Remembrance Quilt will be on display in Hendricks Chapel throughout Remembrance Week. The quilt was created by the 1998-99 Remembrance Scholars, members of the Hendricks Chapel Quilters, and many other contributors to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. The stories of the SU students are told through the design of each quilt block. Each element included in the blocks has symbolic significance.
35 Empty Seats Display, Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle – The 35 Empty Seats are the visual representation of the 270 individuals, including 35 Syracuse University study abroad students, killed in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. The installation is meant to serve as a reminder of how a loss in the past can inspire positive actions in the present.
Flag Display, Grassy knoll between Newhouse and Schine Student Center – Blue and white flags, one for each of the Pan Am 103 victims, will be on display in the area between the Newhouse School and Schine Student Center.
Pan Am Flight 103/Lockerbie Air Disaster Archives temporary exhibition, Bird Library, 1st floor display case near Starbucks café – A temporary exhibition of materials from the Pan Am Flight 103/Lockerbie Air Disaster Archives’ collections pertaining to the sculptural work Dark Elegy by Suse Lowenstein will be on display throughout the week. Lowenstein lost her eldest son, Syracuse University student Alexander Lowenstein, in the bombing of Pan Am 103.
Blue Lights – The Hall of Languages, Hendricks Chapel and the JMA Wireless Dome will be lit in blue in honor of Remembrance Week.
Sunday, Oct. 18
Candlelight Vigil, Hendricks Chapel Steps, 5-6 p.m. -The Remembrance will begin Remembrance Week activities with a Candlelight Vigil. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be available. The event will be livestreamed.
Wednesday, Oct. 21
Sitting in Solidarity, Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle, 2-2:35pm – The Remembrance Scholars will sit in the 35 empty chairs on the Quad for 25 minutes.
Film Screening, Hall of Languages, Room 107, 6:30-8:00 p.m. – The Remembrance Scholars will host a screening of the Netflix series, The Bombing of Pan Am 103.
Thursday, Oct. 22
Act Forward Symposium, Heroy Geology Laboratory, Lobby,, 6-7 p.m. – The Remembrance Scholars will present posters that share their plans to “act forward” through outreach, research, education and creative projects designed to benefit the community.
Lockerbie Fellows Presentation, Heroy Geology Laboratory, 001 Auditorium, 7-8 p.m. – The Lockerbie Fellows will offer a presentation of their personal experiences and reflections to the community.
Friday, Oct. 23
Rose Laying Ceremony, Place of Remembrance, 2-2:45 p.m. – The 2026-2027 Remembrance Scholars and Lockerbie Fellows cohort will honor the victims of the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing, which claimed the lives of 25 students studying abroad with Syracuse University on Dec. 21, 1988. This year marks the 38th anniversary of the bombing. Scholars will lay roses and stones at the memorial wall at the Place of Remembrance, in front of the Hall of Languages. ASL interpretation will be available. The event will be livestreamed.
Remembrance Scholar Convocation, Hendricks Chapel, 3-4 p.m. – The 2026-2027 Remembrance Scholars and Lockerbie Fellows will be honored for their achievements during this ceremony, which also marks the 38th anniversary of the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. Pen-and-ink drawings of the Syracuse University study abroad student victims will be on display in the chapel. ASL interpretation will be available. The event will be livestreamed.
Convocation Reception, Allyn Innovation Center, Link Hall, 1st floor lobby – Reception to honor the 2026-2027 Remembrance Scholars and Lockerbie Fellows.