National AIDS Awareness Week Observed at Holy Cross National AIDS Awareness Week Observed at Holy Cross

WORCESTER, Mass. – The Bishop Healy Multicultural Society at the College of the Holy Cross has planned a series of events for AIDS Compassion and Awareness Week. The schedule of events is as follows:

Monday, Dec. 2 - From 11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. in the Hogan Campus Center, room 328, the Diversity 101 Luncheon Series will focus on the AIDS epidemic. Representatives from AIDS Project Worcester will speak briefly about how AIDS has impacted their lives. A College Chaplain will also offer remarks on the work the church is doing to aid individuals with AIDS. Lunch will be served. At 8 p.m. there will be a vigil service in remembrance of all those who have died of AIDS or are currently living with the disease.

Tuesday, Dec. 3 - From 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. in the Hogan Campus Center Ballroom, author and journalist Helen Zia will speak about the AIDS epidemic in the Asian community. Her presentation will be followed by an informal reception and discussion period. Led by the Bishop Healy Multicultural Society, the discussion will focus on how our religious views impact our response to and our opinions of the disease.

Wednesday, Dec. 4 - From 1 -3 p.m. in the Hogan Campus Center, Suite C, there will be an open mic session for students, faculty and staff to share poems or excerpts about AIDS that they find particularly moving. An arts and crafts table will be set up for people to add squares to the AIDS quilt that is currently on display in the Dinand Library.

Thursday, Dec. 5 - At 6 p.m. in the Hogan Campus Center Ballroom, there will be a charity banquet. The evening is an opportunity for the Holy Cross and Worcester communities to build solidarity and to raise awareness of the effects of AIDS on the world. Speakers for the events include representatives from AIDS Project Worcester, Holy Cross administration and members of the Bishop Healy Multicultural Society. For ticket information call at 508.767.4070.

The College will donate all of the proceeds made from the ticket sales to the AIDS Project Worcester.

Friday, Dec. 6 - From 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. in the Hogan Campus Center, room 328, there will be a special AIDS presentation at the Food For Though forum. Cymetra Williams '03 and Kim McElaney, of the Chaplains' Office, will share their personal story on how the disease has impacted their lives.