ANGER has erupted on both sides of the Atlantic over plans to end the Lockerbie-Syracuse year abroad scholarship after 34 years.
It has been confirmed that “the model is changing” and therefore no new scholars will be selected for 2025-6.
Instead it is suggested that the American university might host a group of youngsters from Lockerbie for a week or so every year.
But many locally feel that isn’t an appropriate substitution and have been critical of the proposal.
Furthermore, an open letter is circulating calling on the university chancellor and board to review and reverse the decision. It says: “We urge the university to reconsider this decision and find a way to expand access to the program without sacrificing its essence. If the goal is to involve more students from Lockerbie, surely there are ways to increase participation while still preserving the transformational nature of the year-long experience.”
Remembrance Scholar 2011-12 Christopher Jennison is behind the letter, which has so far had 103 signatories.
Supporters in this area hope many more will put their name to it as well, with Lockerbie S6 pupil Josh Nixon leading the charge and saying: “I have been looking forward to the Syracuse opportunity for many years and for it to have been pulled out from underneath me is an outrage.
“Please help us make our dreams come true.”
It was up to chair of the Lockerbie Syracuse Trust, Cllr Carolyne Wilson, to break the news to Lockerbie Academy staff and pupils, along with the wider community, last week.
Mrs Wilson and her fellow trustees, Annandale North councillors Gail MacGregor, Stephen Thompson and Lynne Davis, released a statement saying: “Syracuse University has requested that the current scholarship model be changed enabling a new and modern approach, allowing more Lockerbie students to travel to Syracuse University.
“This new proposal will further ensure the relationship between Syracuse University and Lockerbie remains relevant and reflects the modern age we live in.
“However, this does mean the end of the scholarships as they stand and there will be no new scholars selected for 2025/26.
“The educational element will be removed from the scholarships going forward.
“The university has intimated their ongoing and enduring partnership with Lockerbie and wish to continue that as they have done for the past 35 years but have intimated that recent trends have made it clear to them that there now needs to be a new approach.”
The scheme was set up following the 1988 air disaster, in which 35 Syracuse students died and has seen youngsters from Lockerbie attending the university near New York every year since 1990, with Katharine Grant and Fiona Griffin the first pair.
This year the town is being represented by Anna Newbould and Cameron Colville, but they will be the last.
The official statement continues: “The Lockerbie Syracuse Trust absolutely understand that this is a huge and momentous change to the scholarship programme but one in which the trustees will fully engage with to ensure the best possible experience for young Lockerbie citizens.
“We are very aware that this news will be disappointing to some students but very much hope that overall, it provides more opportunities for young Lockerbie citizens over the coming years. “Under the new proposal, more students may be able to travel to Syracuse to get a flavour of university life.”
The trustees stressed the detail of what the new model will fully look like is still being worked out and said updates will be given in due course.
However, former scholars have reacted with disappointment and disbelief.
Ellen Boomer, from Lockerbie, went in 2015-16 and said: “I am saddened to read this news and with very limited information as to what is coming for future students.
“I would not be the person I am today without spending my year in Syracuse. The relationship that is built between Lockerbie scholars, remembrance scholars and families of the victims isn’t something that can be replaced. So many people are being let down with this decision.
“Absolutely gutted for the students who will now miss out on this.”
Brendon Fleming was a Syracuse Remembrance Scholar in 2003-4 and said: “Surprised and sad to hear this news. I count several Lockerbie Scholars as friends and would be very sad to have the special relationship—light and hope out of tragedy—be jeopardized.”
Dozens of comments were also left on The Daily Orange site, which is the Syracuse student newspaper.
The 2021-22 Lockerbie scholar Alicia Pagan wrote: “I am deeply disappointed to read of the ending of the scholarship.
“I moved to Syracuse in the hopes of educating others on such a horrific devastating event. During that time I made lifelong friends, learned a lot about myself and even had my first relationship.
“A lot happens over a year and a week could never compare. Sending these kids away for one week does not keep links between communities alive, it simply allows ‘Cuse to tick a box.
“We keep the memory of those who lost their lives alive and it takes a lot more than a week to create lasting impressions and give important information to those who have never heard of such an event.
“The scholarship given to our community was such a privilege. I will always be honoured to have been given the opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Larry Bee described it as “beyond outrageous”, while P Renée Wicklund said: “I thought that the Lockerbie students among us was such a terrific way to keep alive the memory of what happened.”; and Lena-Rose Orlando added: “For those of us who were a part of the university when this horrible tragedy struck, we felt this was a wonderful way to honour the memory of our connection with Lockerbie.”
n To view the open letter, go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfwcSTtBTtYyKiAv86UT0CAkYrGcZ2TLiYAkhbI2tuUeQaIkw/viewform?pli=1&pli=1
Pictured: Disappointed Lockerbie students, left to right: Josh Nixon, Gabriel Byers, David Napier, and Steven Rae
