Syracuse University has received a $100,000 endowed scholarship from the Live Like Liam Foundation in support of the School of Education’s InclusiveU program. This meaningful gift will expand access to the University’s flagship program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The scholarship was established in loving memory of Liam Zoghby, a cherished member of the Syracuse University community who passed away in January 2024. Liam was a sophomore in the InclusiveU program and served as a student manager for the Orange men’s basketball team, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Jalal and Eileen Zoghby, third and fourth from right, parents of Liam Zoghby, present a ceremonial check to Chancellor Kent Syverud. They are pictured with their family and Beth Meyers, right, Lawrence B. Taishoff Associate Professor of Inclusive Education and director of the Taishoff Center. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)
“When we lost Liam, we had two options: either surrender to what had occurred or make a difference and ‘Find The Good.’ What we learned from Liam is that, through everything he went through, he never gave up and always sought the good,” say Liam’s parents Jalal and Eileen Zoghby. “With all the love and amazing support Liam experienced at InclusiveU, we are continuing Liam’s legacy and hopeful others will support the important work of the program and the meaningful opportunities it provides to students. May we find the good together.”
Formed in 2024, Live Like Liam Inc. is a charitable foundation created to honor Liam’s legacy. In partnership with the Central New York Community Foundation, the organization supports families of children with disabilities or life-threatening illnesses by providing critical financial assistance.
“Liam was a student whose love for Syracuse ran deep—and the feeling was mutual. His warmth, generosity and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. We are deeply grateful to the Live Like Liam Foundation for establishing a scholarship in his memory. It is an honor to help carry Liam’s spirit forward by sharing his story and enthusiasm for life with the students who will benefit from this meaningful gift,” says Brianna Shults, director of InclusiveU.
InclusiveU brings students of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to experience college life in a fully inclusive setting to Syracuse University. For more information about InclusiveU, please visit https://taishoffcenter.syr.edu/inclusiveu.
For more information about the Live Like Liam Foundation, visit: https://www.livelikeliam.org/home.
Karly Grifasi and Martin Walls contributed to this story
