[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/farley.jpg” caption=”Ellen Ryan presents Frank Farley with her new book on disability, which is dedicated to his late daughter Susan. “]Susan Farley's passion for learning will live on with a new award given to students in the Department of Health, Aging and Society.

Established earlier this year by her parents, the Susan Farley Scholarship is in memory of the student who struggled with the health effects associated with multiple sclerosis and will give $500 to a student in the program who has demonstrated notable academic achievement.

The award was discussed as part of a recent special guest lecture in the Disabilities, Chronic Illness, and Aging class, taught by Anju Joshi. Ellen Ryan, professor emeritus in health, aging and society, spoke to the class about disability and presented her new book, Ability Speaks: Talking With Persons With Disability, to Farley's parents. Both Joshi and Ryan taught Farley during her time at McMaster.

“Susan enriched everyone's learning,” said Ryan. “She was committed to study, compassionate about the challenges experienced by vulnerable older adults and she enjoyed the privilege of learning and engaged us with her wonderful sense of humour.”

Though she ultimately lost her battle with the disease just days before her 2008 graduation, Farley persevered through multiple sclerosis and its related health problems to earn her B.A. in gerontology, placing on the dean's honour list.

“Susan had the goal of earning her degree,” said family friend Kim Nolan, a career transition coordinator and disability specialist with Career Services. “Despite everything, she accomplished it.”

The scholarship is to go to a student in a program in the Department of Health, Aging and Society who, in the judgment of the department, has demonstrated notable academic achievement.