The largest section of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt to be displayed in the state of Ohio was on view in the Heisman Club Field House during the first week of December--World AIDS Awareness week.
The display, hosted by the College and Lorain County's New Life-Choices in Lifecare, was initiated by the Oberlin College student chapter of ACT-UP and was several years in the making, says Ken Holmes, associate dean and assistant to the dean of Student Life and Services.
"It is an honor and a privilege for Oberlin College to join with New Life-Choices in Lifecare of Elyria in hosting the display, which demonstrates the immensity of the AIDS epidemic by giving names and faces to those who have died," says President Nancy S. Dye.
"There is a great need to generate support and awareness of AIDS-related concerns and services within our community," she says, noting that the display offered an opportunity to educate students and area residents about issues related to living with AIDS.
People from 40 countries have contributed panels to the quilt, which now contains more than 40,000 panels, each measuring 3' x 6'--the size of a human grave.
The Oberlin section included 1064 panels and a 12' x 12' signature block with eight panels for visitors to sign.
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