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In
1972, Mark Sawyer came to USL (now UL Lafayette)to pursue a degree
in Psychology. Since he had recently lost his sight to diabetes,
he had special educational needs. USL purchased adaptive equipment
in order to assist Mark. This equipment was placed in an office
in Junior Division, which eventually became Handicapped Student
Services, later to become Services to Students with Disabilities.
In
the early 70's, there was no committee or organization at USL to
address accessability issues. Mark initiated efforts to start an
organization which would address these issues and named it the Beacon
Club.
While
attending USL, Mark was also Student Government Association President.
He graduated with honors and went on to receive a Masters of Science
degree in Psychology. Ten years after he obtained his Masters degree,
Mark died of complications from Diabetes.
The
Beacon Club awards the Mark Sawyer Scholarship each year to a student
who has helped to promote disability awareness.
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