AIDS patients remembered

The names of people who have died of AIDS echoed across the campus Thursday, at the opening of World AIDS Day at SF State. Staff, faculty and students took turns reading the names of SF State students and others who have died of AIDS.

The annual observance is held worldwide to remember those who have died of the disease and to inform people about AIDS and HIV.

Members of the campus community were given information on how they can avoid contracting AIDS/HIV, which is the leading cause of death of young people today.

"This event is a coming together of everyone in the community," Albert Angelo a health educator at the Student Health Center. "It's not just a gay or black disease, this is a community disease."

A giant quilt was draped on the walls of Jack Adams Hall, with messages of love for students and others to view, as well as to write their own messages.

Health education junior Helen McGuire pinned her message to the wall with tears in her eyes.

"I'm remembering my brother today and all of my friends that have died of AIDS," McGuire said.

Booths from campus resources and community AIDS organizations such as the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and 18th Street Services handed out free informational pamphlets and condoms.

The event was sponsored by the AIDS Coordinating Committee, E.R.O.S, C.E.A.S.E, the Student Health Center and Peer Educators of SFSU.

"World AIDS Day is recognized around the world so people can stop and remember the people who have died," said chair of the AIDS Coordinating Committee Jim Perkins. "I'm so impressed with the people who put this together and when I look around and when I hear the names of so many that have died it touches me."

Among the activities Thursday, was the presentation of new data on the impact of AIDS on African American men. Dr. Ken Montiero, the chair of the psychology department, presented information about his research entitled "Living with AIDS in the African American Community".

SF State student Diana Sisneros has had many friends die of AIDS. World AIDS Day is a way for her to remember lost friends.

"The reading exercise is to primarily acknowledge and memorialize all of the individuals that have died of AIDS or HIV," Sisneros said. "I hope that this makes an impact on students because AIDS is a preventable disease," Sisneros said.

[ Golden Gater Online December 5, 1995 ]

[ back to top ]