Sitting in their home in Skaneateles, NY, Garry P’22 and Cindy ’88, P’22 Payne mention that they are looking forward to a weekend visit from their daughter, Chloe ’22, now that the InclusiveU graduate has returned from the inaugural, fully inclusive Syracuse Abroad immersion course in Italy, organized by the Center on Disability and Inclusion (CDI).
“Chloe had a blast. It was such a great experience for her and for us,” says Birmingham, UK, born Garry, a partner with Cypress Financial Consultants. “All the kids had a great time. I wish there were more opportunities like that,” agrees Cindy, an S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications alumna and a co-founder of NorthStar Insurance Consulting Services.
Move the Needle
Now, thanks to a generous gift of $100,000 to the Dream Big Campaign, more InclusiveU students will have the same opportunities as the Payne’s daughter, both within the program and beyond.
Give to Dream BigDream Big was launched in April 2024 by University Trustee Capt. Robert P. Taishoff ’86 and his wife Kathy. This $2.5 million matching gift opportunity supports the next phase of growth for CDI, the Lawrence B. Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education, and InclusiveU.
The Paynes first learned about InclusiveU from Advisory Council member Amy Allyn P’23, P’26. At that time, Chloe was finishing high school and wanted to have a college experience like her older brother, Matthew. “We never thought that would happen,” says Garry, a member of the Taishoff Center’s Advisory Council and Business Engagement Group. “But InclusiveU gave her an opportunity to go to her mom’s University.”
“Chloe found her people at InclusiveU,” says Cindy, adding, “but why does the journey have to end? We want to help move the needle on the percentage of InclusiveU graduates moving on positively with their careers and lives.”
“Everyone has a gift in life. We want to find everyone’s gift and create something.”
Continuous Wishes
The journey certainly has not ended for Chloe, now 26, who studied human development and family science while at Syracuse (and who joined the University’s belly dancing troupe). Since graduating, she has worked as a teacher’s assistant at Little Luke’s Daycare and Preschool in DeWitt, NY, and at Sprout Therapy in Liverpool, NY.
“She loves her work, and they love her,” continues Cindy, explaining that they hope their gift will help to build InclusiveU’s capacity and ability to serve graduates in their careers and lives. “We want to see all the kids have that opportunity. The work relationships and the sense of independence make them feel good.”
“When they are done with college, now what?” asks Garry. “Can InclusiveU graduates find work? How do they get there? Where do they live?” To jobs, transportation, and housing, Cindy adds the importance of social interactions for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “Everyone has a gift in life. We want to find everyone’s gift and create something.”
Garry and Cindy have an extensive history of philanthropy and service. Garry is a past-president and a board member of Ronald McDonald House of Central New York and is currently on the board of Elmcrest Children’s Center, in addition to his service for the Taishoff Center. Cindy has served Ronald McDonald House, Syracuse City Ballet, Elmcrest Children’s Center, and Make-A-Wish CNY.
Referencing their similar pledge to Make-A-Wish CNY, Garry notes, “We felt a gift to Dream Big was necessary, and Rob Taishoff put the marker out there for us. This gift is about making continuous wishes, about future happiness.”
Cindy adds, “This gift amount was a stretch for us, but think about how far a gift will go when Rob Taishoff matches it. It’s an incredible opportunity.”