Harry is a Syracuse University senior, and like his peers, he’s looking forward to what lies ahead: graduation, getting a job, owning a home and getting married to his girlfriend, Gabby. He was born with Down syndrome, and despite the obstacles in his path, has fully embraced life. The highlight so far has been the opportunity to attend Syracuse University and serve as a student manager for the men’s basketball team.
Harry Dydo, an InclusiveU student senior sports management within the Falk College, is profiled in a Syracuse Story for his #BeOrange spirit, positivity, and drive. InclusiveU is a program of the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education, which provides access to Syracuse University academics and student life to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“The outer world is ‘frozen’ when we are all together,” says Jared Khan-Bagley, a peer mentor, trainer and seminar facilitator who is majoring in inclusive elementary and special education in the School of Education. “The challenges we all face disappear when we’re together, which is a reminder of what friendship is: love, dedication to one another and enjoying the time we all share.”
Harry has been a student manager for the Syracuse University basketball team since the 2016-2017 season, and currently also works for Recreation Services within the Barnes Center at the Arch. He was also recently featured on CNY Central as one of the first InclusiveU students to live in the Syracuse dorms.