EWU auditorium shines yellow and blue lights

Because the crisis in Ukraine has impacted people across the world, including people at Eastern Washington University (EWU) and in Cheney, Nick Palmieri, manager of EWU's University Productions, created a light display at Showalter Auditorium.

He decided to create the display to honor the Ukrainian people and create a safe place for the community to talk, pray and have a moment of silence.

Seeing venues all over the world broadcasting blue and yellow lights—the colors of the Ukrainian flag—to show symbolic support influenced Nick to create this display at EWU in late February.

"Showalter Auditorium being our flagship venue on campus and the only space that can project such a display, I thought it'd be a great way to keep in the hearts and minds of the community that we are thinking of the Ukrainian people and the crisis that's happening," Nick said.

The display has had much foot traffic during the hours the auditorium is open. Some people come in to take a quick photo. Others stay longer to gather their thoughts on the crisis.

Commenting on the Ukrainian crisis, Nick said, "I don't think our generation has ever even thought that we would experience this sort of conflict, like open warfare, in this day in age.

"It's scary for everyone in the region even though we're not close to Ukraine. People around the world are feeling the trauma from it," he said.

The display will continue to be available to the public daily when Nick is in the office or there is no event in the auditorium.

For information, email npalmieri@ewu.edu or visit https://inside.ewu.edu/news/announcements/showalter-lights-reflect-ukraine-solidarity.