The Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Endowment was founded in 1995 by Edward and Patricia Leahy to honor the life and memory of their son, Edward R. Leahy, Jr., whose personal disabilities were attended to with compassion and skill by many health professionals over the course of his life. The Leahy Center provides financial resources to support theoretical and applied research, faculty development, and support for programs that advance the cause of disabled persons who need long-term assistance. The Endowment supports the work of persons practicing in physical and occupational therapy, nursing science and related health-care areas, with particular interest in individuals and groups that approach their practice as scholars, teachers and practitioners. Primary recipients are University of Scranton faculty from the Panuska College of Professional Studies, consisting of the Departments of Counseling and Human Services, Education, Exercise Science and Sport, Health Administration and Human Resources, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy.