With artistic performances, displays, lectures, and panel discussions, U of T’s three campuses will observe World AIDS Day.
“It’s a very meaningful opportunity for the university community to come together to address this pandemic,” said Judy Kopelow, director of strategic initiatives with the Centre for International Health today.
A giant red ribbon will be installed on the front of Sid Smith, adorned with white balloons. As the day progresses, the balloons will be popped, symbolizing the breakdown of white blood cells in a person with AIDS.
At sundown, the bells of Soldiers’ Tower will toll in honour of those battling the epidemic, as a slideshow projects faces of people affected by AIDS onto the walls of Hart House. The event’s main ceremony is at Hart House, organized by the Centre for International Health. The ceremony, which starts at 4:30pm, will include a speech by world-renowned HIV prevention expert Dr. Solomon Benatar, and a number of artistic performances including an African dance and a classical music concerto.
The Med Sci building hosts a number of information tables staffed by U of T student groups. Other events at Med Sci include a screening of A Closer Walk, a film about AIDS’ impact throughout the world. The Leslie Dan Pharmacy building hosts a seminar in which U of T students who took part in overseas humanitarian projects this summer will promote further student engagement in humanitarian projects. The Pharmacy building will also hold an NGO fair.
“The program reflects the strength and commitment of our university in addressing this pandemic,” said Ms. Kopelow. “What we are trying to do is come together, have a voice, raise awareness, and let students know that they can make an impact.”
