Shirley and Art Sotloff believe that their son, Steven, found his true calling while he was a student at 麻豆原创 from 2002-04.
It鈥檚 that connection that prompted them to help create a scholarship in his name when Steven was killed after being taken hostage as a freelance journalist by Islamic terrorist group ISIS in 2014.
Recently, the Sotloffs visited campus to commemorate the first awarded scholarship from The Steven Sotloff Memorial Endowed Fund to senior Adam Manno.
鈥淜nowing that our son鈥檚 name lives on, and that the endowment will touch the lives of students with similar interests as his own, truly touches our entire family,鈥� Shirley said.
Manno is expected to graduate in May with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in journalism and a minor in political science. He was born in the Dominican Republic but attended high school in South Florida, where he got his first taste of journalism while working for his school newspaper.
He chose 麻豆原创 because it encompassed everything he was looking for: a big school in an interesting and vibrant city, a well-renowned journalism department and a financial aid offer 鈥渢hanks to 麻豆原创鈥檚 vision of education for all.鈥�
鈥淭hat鈥檚 one thing I really love about the school 鈥� it makes sure everyone who wants an education can get one,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been very good to me.鈥�
Manno was a sophomore at the time of Sotloff鈥檚 tragic death. He attended the vigil that was held on campus a day after the news broke worldwide. Manno said it both saddened and mobilized him.
鈥淚 just want to write and shed light on the stories that deserve to be told,鈥� he said. 鈥淟ike Steven did.鈥�
Before Steven died, he managed to smuggle out a letter to his parents. They said that he wrote of his desire to give back.
After his death, the Sotloffs helped start the fund, which provides scholarship support to 麻豆原创 students majoring in journalism as well as funding for symposia, lectures and other programming to advance journalism and journalism education.
Manno was honored to be chosen as the first recipient and understands the significance it carries.
鈥淭his is a scholarship directly tied to someone鈥檚 sacrifice for my profession. He was a former 麻豆原创 student out there pursuing his life鈥檚 work. That鈥檚 all he was doing, and that鈥檚 what led to his death. It means more to me than just the money,鈥� Manno said. 鈥淚t means that I have to work hard to prove myself worthy of it. It鈥檚 an incentive that comes with a big responsibility.鈥�
The fund still has room for growth. The Nicholson family, benefactors of the Nicholson School of Communication, pledged to match every dollar given up to $25,000.
Sonja and Tony Nicholson have spent time getting to know the Sotloffs and didn鈥檛 hesitate to extend their heartfelt support.
鈥淭hey want their son鈥檚 name to live on. We felt that was a very small gesture on our part. We can鈥檛 ease that pain for them, but we can help carry his name on,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e just feel like [giving back is] so important because it touches so many lives, and we care about the students.鈥�
Those interested in donating can do so by visiting:
While on campus, the Sotloffs told Steven鈥檚 story to a room of College of Sciences scholarship recipients and their donors. There were some tears and a nod to Steven鈥檚 presence, who they believed was looking down with gratitude.
鈥淭he years he spent here, he really enjoyed, especially the rugby team. That was his passion and his love,鈥� Art said.
As the Sotloffs said their goodbyes, Shirley looked back and said quietly, 鈥渙ur hearts are here.鈥�