April 26,1996 marks the 10th anniversary of the world's worst environmental and nuclear disaster, which occurred in Chornobyl, Ukraine. Due to contemptuous disregard and criminal disdain for the welfare of its citizens, the former Soviet Union is responsible for the most catastrophic disaster known to mankind. The effects of this explosion are still being felt by many and will continue for generations to come. 3.2 million people have been affected by radiation, with over 1 million being children. 17,000 square miles of forests are contaminated by radiation, and almost 18,000 square miles of agricultural land has been contaminated.

The Ukrainian Student Association is sponsoring a week-long schedule of events to commemorate the victims of the 10th anniversary of Chornobyl from April 15-19. During the week we will have informational displays set up in the Student Union; there will also be info. showcase displays in the Student Union, and the Lockwood and Undergraduate Libraries. A showing of the documentary "Living Under the Cloud" and "Chornobyl: A Challenge for Our Generation," a lecture by Dr. Alexander Kuzma, Director of Development, Children of Chornobyl Foundation, will be held on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Union Theater preceding a candlelight vigil in Founder's Plaza. On Friday we will be donating books to Lockwood Library at 12:30 p.m. All donations will benefit the Children of Chornobyl Foundation.

In remembrance, we invite the University and Buffalo community to partake in our week. Please help us bring to light this world's worst environmental disaster which affected not only the territory and population of Ukraine, but was felt the world over.

Sincerely,

Olenka Bodnarskj,

President of Ukrainian Student Association

Larissa Hrycyk,

Ukrainian Student Association

Chornobyl Committee