Syracuse Sun

For Alyssa Sutherland and Tabitha Hulme, the role of Remembrance Scholar at Syracuse University is a significant commitment. The program was initiated in 1989 to honor the victims of the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland, which occurred in December 1988. Among those who lost their lives were 35 students from Syracuse University returning from studying abroad.

Each year, Remembrance Scholars are selected to honor one of the victims by keeping their memory alive. Sutherland and Hulme, both public health majors, have been chosen for this responsibility.

Sutherland, originally from St. Louis, Missouri, learned of her selection while studying abroad in India. She described her reaction as a mix of "honor and gratitude" followed by the "weight and heaviness" of what it means to be a Remembrance Scholar.

Hulme, from Saratoga, California, received the news during a phone call with tech support. Her emotional response was partly due to her grandfather's history as a Pan Am pilot.

Sutherland's scholarship honors Miriam Luby Wolfe from the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Wolfe had been interning in London at King's Head Theatre when she died. Sutherland has communicated with Wolfe’s mother, Rosemary, who sent her a book titled “Miriam’s World—and Mine” with an inscription wishing Alyssa blessings.

Hulme honors Turhan Michael Ergin, also from the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Ergin was an actor and athlete on Syracuse University's lacrosse team. Hulme researched his life through university archives and found personal connections between their lives.

Both scholars expressed their dedication to service during this year's Rose-Laying Ceremony:

Sutherland stated: “I lay this rose in memory of Miriam Luby Wolfe... I am using my skills to promote and teach cultural competency as well as the importance of inclusivity and interdependence in every community.”

Hulme shared: “I lay this rose in honor of Turhan Michael Ergin... As a pre-medical student studying public health and health humanities... forever dedicated to service.”

The annual memorial service for Pan Am Flight 103 will take place on Saturday, Dec. 21 at Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University.