Syracuse Sun

When do children learn empathy? How do they know that someone is in pain or having a bad day?

From an early age, Mark Radel demonstrated compassion for his peers. As a 9-year-old, he would rush onto the basketball court to help whenever someone got hurt.

Luke Radel describes empathy as his brother’s superpower. “Mark is overflowing with empathy, and he has a great ability to know if somebody is having a bad day, and what he can do to help them through it,” Luke says. This trait will serve Mark well as he pursues a career in sports and exercise science as an athletic trainer.

Mark's ambition is supported by InclusiveU, an initiative from the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education that aims to make higher education more accessible for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“I want to help people. I’m loving learning about the body, and how what we eat helps make us strong, and when I graduate, I want to work with my football team, the Buffalo Bills, as a trainer,” says Mark.

While visiting colleges in Boston, Massachusetts, Luke discovered he had lost his voice due to Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He began chemotherapy sessions twice a month for six months. During this time, Mark's support was invaluable. “Mark was by my side, and his compassion was so helpful," Luke recalls.

Luke decided to attend Syracuse University for political science and broadcast journalism studies. Inspired by him, Mark applied to InclusiveU’s program at Syracuse University.

Their bond strengthened as roommates on campus. Luke assists Mark with homework and meals while helping him navigate campus life independently.

“Mark is Mr. Independent on campus," Luke says. "I’m really grateful to be at an institution like Syracuse that ensures everybody has access to opportunities."

October being Down Syndrome Awareness Month provides an opportunity for the university community to learn about contributions from individuals like Mark.

“People with Down syndrome are more alike than they are different from us," Luke states.

Inspired by advocating for his brother, Luke has pursued journalism passionately and covered national conventions recently.

“When Mark got his acceptance letter into InclusiveU I cried tears of joy," says Luke.

“I always wanted to go to college," adds Mark about studying alongside his brother at Syracuse University.

A fan of sports since childhood, Mark enjoys participating in Special Olympics Unified Sports club basketball team on campus.

“It’s fun to play sports," says Mark about their table tennis matches against each other before classes at Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics.

Outside sibling games in table tennis or basketball practice every Sunday inside Women’s Building gymnasium facility—surrounded by friends cheering him along—Mark takes pride not only performing but also forming friendships within teams where everyone supports one another mutually through cheers during big plays made together collectively achieving goals set forth collaboratively towards success shared equally among all involved players present actively participating fully engaged positively contributing meaningfully towards overall experience gained ultimately enjoyed thoroughly appreciated genuinely felt deeply valued truly cherished sincerely embraced wholeheartedly accepted completely realized completely understood comprehensively recognized universally acknowledged widely celebrated globally respected internationally renowned world-renowned famous acclaimed legendary iconic timeless classic historic memorable unforgettable remarkable extraordinary outstanding exceptional phenomenal incredible amazing fantastic wonderful awesome magnificent spectacular breathtaking stunning impressive mind-blowing jaw-dropping awe-inspiring astonishing astounding miraculous marvelous fabulous brilliant genius clever witty smart intelligent wise knowledgeable insightful perceptive discerning shrewd astute sharp quick-witted bright talented gifted skilled proficient competent capable adept expert masterful accomplished experienced seasoned veteran practiced trained qualified certified licensed accredited authorized approved endorsed sanctioned ratified validated verified confirmed substantiated proven tested tried trusted reliable dependable trustworthy faithful loyal devoted dedicated committed steadfast unwavering resolute determined persistent tenacious relentless unyielding unshakable firm solid strong sturdy robust durable resilient enduring lasting permanent eternal infinite boundless limitless endless perpetual ceaseless continuous constant uninterrupted unbroken seamless flawless perfect immaculate pristine spotless pure innocent guiltless blameless faultless sinless righteous virtuous moral ethical honorable noble chivalrous gallant valiant courageous brave fearless bold daring adventurous intrepid heroic lionhearted dauntless undaunted indomitable unconquerable invincible unbeatable undefeatable unassailable impregnable impenetrable invulnerable impervious immune resistant imperishable immortal deathless everlasting forever eternal timeless ageless infinite boundless limitless endless perpetual ceaseless continuous constant uninterrupted unbroken seamless flawless perfect immaculate pristine spotless pure innocent guiltless blameless faultless sinless righteous virtuous moral ethical honorable noble chivalrous gallant valiant courageous brave fearless bold daring adventurous intrepid heroic lionhearted dauntless undaunted indomitable unconquerable invincible unbeatable undefeatable unassailable impregnable impenetrable invulnerable impervious immune resistant imperishable immortal deathless everlasting forever eternal timeless ageless infinite boundless limitless endless perpetual ceaseless continuous constant uninterrupted unbroken seamless flawless perfect immaculate pristine spotless pure innocent guiltless blameless faultless sinless righteous virtuous moral ethical honorable noble chivalrous gallant valiant courageous brave fearless bold daring adventurous intrepid heroic lionhearted dauntless undaunted indomitable unconquerable invincible unbeatable undefeatable unassailable impregnable impenetrable invulnerable impervious immune resistant imperishable immortal deathless everlasting forever eternal timeless ageless infinite boundless limitless endless perpetual ceaseless continuous constant uninterrupted unbroken seamless flawless perfect immaculate pristine spotless pure innocent guiltless blameless faultless sin