The World AIDS Day quilt that was displayed in the lower lobby of the Culp Center Friday had a large impact on students at ETSU.
Lambda Society, Multicultural Affairs and Black Affairs were the groups that put the project together and Sigma Nu volunteered to help hang the quilt. Many students came to see the exhibit.
“A lot of the pieces are so personal and you realize that these people are real,” said Megan Stratton of Lambda.
“It’s a shock when you actually see it. Some people have even cried.”
The ages of the victims that succumbed to the disease range from infants to older adults.
The disease not only affects victims but everyone around them.
“Many students are not aware of the seriousness or the impact that AIDS has on families and friends of the people who have died,” Stratton said, “It puts things into perspective for many people.”
Barbara Knight, health education coordinator for student health, was present all day to give out pamphlets and answer any questions students or the communtiy had about AIDS. Part of the event was to educate students about AIDS and give them a better understanding of the disease.
“I think we had a good turnout,” Knight said. “I think that anyone that goes through there is affected, you just can’t help it.”
The NAMES Knoxville chapter of project was selling T-shirts, coffee mugs and other merchandise to promote World AIDS Day.
Other special events during the day included a movie entitled “The Cure.

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