AIDS Quilt display receives national award

Observer Staff

11/12/2003 12:00:00 AM

A weeklong series of Central Michigan University educational activities about AIDS has received the National Teaching Activity of the Year award from the American School Health Association.

CMU's Eta Sigma Gamma health honorary chapter received the award for promoting HIV/AIDS awareness through a weeklong series of educational activities centered on the AIDS Memorial Quilt display last January in Finch Fieldhouse.

"Everyone worked very hard to make the AIDS quilt a success, and we are honored to accept this award," said Carla Palazzi, president of CMU's Eta Sigma Gamma chapter."

The display had 132 blocks (792 panels) that featured loved ones, friends and family members from Michigan who lost their lives to AIDS. The display qualified as the largest display planned for the 2003 calendar year in the United States.

In addition, Jeanne White-Ginder, the mother of Ryan White, spoke at CMU's Plachta Auditorium about her son, Ryan White.

"The week the AIDS quilt was on campus was a very moving and educational experience for everyone involved," said Kellee Kebler, publicist for CMU's chapter.

The display was available for CMU students and visitors from surrounding communities.

"Many people, including over 15 organizations on campus, worked together to make the display a success," said Kebler. "The effort to bring the AIDS quilt to campus last January was a collaboration of many different factors, and the members of Eta Sigma Gamma worked jointly to present this educational opportunity to the CMU campus."

The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe also was an integral part of the display. The Tribe participated in both the opening and closing ceremonies for this event. Additionally, the Tribe supported the student group sponsoring the AIDS Memorial Quilt display with advertising for the event.

"On behalf of the university I am grateful for the Tribe's full participation in this important event. This national award recognizes the meaningful collaboration of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, as well as the hard work of the students involved. Together, the university and the tribe continue to foster joint initiatives for the educational benefit of all residents in the area." said Rich Morrison, CMU's liaison with the tribe.

Palazzi, membership coordinator Katie Reynolds and former historian Amanda Stevens received the award at the American School Health Association national conference in El Paso, Texas.