A new annual scholarship has been established by Dr. Ashu Syal and Mr. Ravinder Syal in memory of their daughter, Sharn, a senior computer science major who passed away following a long illness this past May. The Scholarship provides support each year for undergraduate students studying in Computing and Information Science at Cornell.
Service to humanity has become a lifelong commitment Sharn’s parents have made in preserving her legacy. “Sharn would never step back whenever there was an opportunity to help others. In fact, when she would notice her colleagues/friends struggling with coursework she would spend time tutoring them. The immense pleasure she received in her gesture was invaluable,” said her parents.
Sharn’s plans after graduation were to pursue advanced study in the area of computerized robotic prosthetic limbs in order to help the injured, including soldiers returning from war. Dr. and Mr. Syal have learned from their daughter’s journey that “no matter what life throws at you, as long as you put others ahead of yourself, you are at peace.”