News Article

Gonzaga University will show solidarity with many through its celebration of World AIDS Day with AIDS Awareness Week, Nov. 27 through Dec. 1.

The mission of Gonzaga’s AIDS Awareness Week is “to educate Gonzaga students, faculty, and staff on the worldwide AIDS epidemic, with special focus on the social and political impact AIDS has on individuals and our surrounding communities,” organizers say. Additionally, the week will offer an opportunity for Gonzaga to raise funds for the Spokane AIDS Network.”

Student volunteers for AIDS Awareness Week will invite their peers on Monday, Nov. 27, and Tuesday, Nov. 28, to help raise money and prepare for the upcoming events that week. Throughout both days, volunteers will hand out T-shirts in the Crosby Student Center to be worn on Friday, Dec. 1, to symbolize Gonzaga’s solidarity with people living with AIDS.

Every day of the week, AIDS Awareness volunteers also will host a fund-raising event in Crosby Student Center. From 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday through Friday, volunteers will sell “FACE AIDS” pins and red ribbons. On Friday and Saturday (Dec. 1-2), a booth affiliated with the events will be open at the Gonzaga Holiday Crafts Bazaar in the Crosby Student Center.

Also, at 7:30 p.m. on Monday (Nov. 27) will be a showing of the AIDS documentary, “A Closer Walk” in the basement of Crosby.

On Tuesday at 6 p.m., a panel discussion in the Wolff Auditorium at the Jepson Center titled “AIDS in Our World” will explore historical conditions, politics and the international impact of AIDS. GU history Assistant Professor Eric Cunningham will be the featured speaker.

At Wednesday’s Coffeehouse in Crosby, which begins at 8 p.m., Jason Webley will perform, and there will be a basket for donations to the Spokane AIDS Network. On Thursday, from 8-10 p.m., the presentation, “The Personal Side of AIDS” will feature GU students Katie Corbett and Ravenna McQuill, and Mark Garrett, an employer and client of the Spokane AIDS Network – all have been personally affected by AIDS.

Friday, Dec. 1, is World AIDS Day, and some 200 GU students are expected to wear T-shirts as a sign of solidarity with the many Americans living with AIDS. A prayer vigil will begin at 6 p.m. Friday in the Jesuit House. Also, the GU a cappella group Big Bing Theory will perform during the day at Crosby, also to raise money for the Spokane AIDS Network.

Clubs and organizations collaborating for AIDS Awareness Week include the Gonzaga Activities Board, the Program for International Education and Relief (PIER), Helping Educate Regarding Orientation (HERO), the Health and Sciences Club, FACE AIDS, Big Bing Theory, Right to Life, and the Kennel Club.

For more information or to get involved, contact Corbett via e-mail.