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When Chris and Lydia Holland P ’24 first began exploring colleges with their son Liam ’24 CLAS, they weren’t sure what to expect. Liam, who has cerebral palsy, had specific needs, and they were searching for a community that would welcome and fully support him.

One of their earliest connections at ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ was with Michael M. Gaynor, the late Executive Director of Undergraduate Admission. A tireless advocate for students with disabilities, Gaynor personally assisted many families in pursuing higher education for their children with disabilities. His warmth, encouragement and personal understanding of disability—through his own sons Christian and Nicholas ’15 CPS—left a lasting impression and was influential in Liam’s decision to attend the University.

The Hollands first encountered Gaynor and his son Nick after recognizing them at a basketball game in their New Jersey hometown. They had recently watched Coming Off the DL, a 30-minute documentary produced by ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ students that featured the Gaynors’ story. That brief connection ultimately led to a campus visit, where Gaynor helped arrange a personalized schedule tailored to Liam’s needs and interests.

Now, in gratitude for the impact Gaynor had on their family and to honor his legacy, the Hollands have made a $1 million gift this 1842 Day—ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥â€™s annual day of giving—to establish a scholarship in his memory. The contribution pays tribute to the countless lives Gaynor touched over his four decades at ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥. Remembered as an inspiring and compassionate leader, Gaynor played a significant role in ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥â€™s transformation into a top national Catholic institution, as the University welcomed a growing number of out-of-state and international students and consistently broke undergraduate application records.

The gift also celebrates the role that LEVEL played in Liam’s ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ experience. Throughout his time at the University, Liam found connection and advocacy through LEVEL, which is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and raising awareness of the barriers that disabled individuals face. The student-run organization helped shape his undergraduate journey, providing friendship, guidance and opportunities to lead—not just academically, but socially as well. By including LEVEL in the scholarship’s name, the Hollands hope to encourage future recipients to get involved with the organization.

Liam recently completed his bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with minors in Disability Studies, Mathematics, Irish Studies and Peace and Justice. Now pursuing graduate coursework at ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥, he continues to build on the strong foundation of community and advocacy he found as an undergraduate, which he now shares on Instagram and YouTube.

In recognition of the Holland family’s generosity, the University has created the Michael M. Gaynor LEVEL Forward Endowed Scholarship, which will ensure the scholarship can continue in perpetuity. The scholarship will provide supplemental financial aid to full-time undergraduate students served by the Office for Access and Disability Services, which ensures equal access to courses, services, facilities and programs across campus. Those interested in supporting the Michael Gaynor Scholarship can make a gift

The Hollands understand the unique challenges faced by students with disabilities and their families. Hidden costs such as medical equipment, personal care aides, transportation and other expenses often create significant financial strain. Their gift is intended to inspire broader support and help ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ grow a strong scholarship program that offers meaningful assistance to disabled students in each undergraduate class.

Scholarship gifts like the Hollands’ not only benefit students supported by the Office for Access and Disability Services, but also align with a core priority of Espiritus Nova: The Campaign for ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ University—closing the financial need gap for undergraduate students and expanding access to a ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ education for all deserving students.