Queen’s is joining universities across the country to honour victims of the Iran plane crash that left no survivors last week.

On Jan. 8, 176 people, including Queen’s Faculty of Arts and Science student Amir Moradi, were killed when their plane was shot down near Tehran.

“This tragic loss was a blow to the academic community and to Canada,” says Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane. “But, in this time of crisis, we are coming together to heal and cope.”

The plane crash had a tremendous impact on post-secondary institutions across Canada as many victims were university students, faculty members, and alumni. Queen’s is one of several universities launching funds in the victims’ memory. The Iranian Student Memorial Scholarship Fund will provide support to Iranian students in financial need. The university will match all donations up to $250,000.

“The Queen’s community continues to mourn the loss of Amir and all the victims of Flight PS752,” says Principal Deane. “By launching this memorial fund, we hope to honour the memory of a promising student. As we work to overcome our sadness and grief, this fund will enable us to create a legacy to help others.”

The Premier of Ontario also announced the creation of a special scholarship fund today in memory of each victim.

There has been an outpouring of grief on the Queen’s campus since the Jan. 8 crash. Flags on campus were lowered to commemorate all the lives lost, and the Queen’s Iranian Student Association and the Office of Faith and Spiritual Life held a vigil last week in McLaughlin Room that was attended by hundreds of people.

Those looking to donate to The Iranian Student Memorial Scholarship Fund can visit the Give to Queen’s website.