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The Tahir Koylass Outstanding Scholarship Award:

Celebrating 10 Years of Love, Light, and Legacy

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Living without Tahir is a journey that requires constant work—to choose light over darkness, to hold onto love in the face of loss, and to keep his spirit alive in a world that continues to move forward. As a mother, one of my greatest hopes is that he is never forgotten—that his name is spoken, his impact is remembered, and his legacy continues to inspire.

This year marks ten years since Tahir’s transition, and while time moves on, my love for him remains just as strong. The Tahir Koylass Outstanding Scholarship Award (TKOSA) is more than a scholarship; it is a testament to his life, his brilliance, and the future he believed in. It is a way to ensure that his light continues to shine through the dreams of young scholars who, like him, are determined to make a difference.

Since 2016, TKOSA has supported graduating seniors from the University of Chicago’s Collegiate Scholars Program, helping them take their first steps into higher education. Through the kindness and generosity of this community, we have raised over $60,000 and awarded scholarships to eleven incredible students who carry forward the values Tahir embodied—resilience, academic curiosity, and a deep commitment to civic engagement.

This year, we have set a goal to raise $10,000, and we only need 1,000 donors to contribute just $10 each to make it happen. It is a small act, but one that carries immeasurable meaning. Your support—whether through a donation, sharing this mission, or simply holding Tahir in your heart—ensures that his legacy does not fade. That he is still here, in all the ways that truly matter.

Tahir’s journey as a Collegiate Scholar from 2012 to 2015 was filled with determination, brilliance, and an unshakable belief in creating a better world. By coming together, we can honor his life by giving others the opportunity to grow, learn, and leave their own mark on the world—just as he did.

With love, gratitude, and hope,