CAA music chief Rob Light and his wife Shelly will support scholarships for historically underrepresented students pursuing studies at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, its Bandier Program in Recording and Entertainment Industries and the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Earlier this month, Light, who graduated from Syracuse in 1978, announced a gift of $300k that will endow three scholarships to provide underrepresented students with these academic opportunities.

Light made the scholarship announcement during an event held at CAA’s L.A. headquarters in celebration of Black Music Month, during which music and entertainment trailblazer Suzanne de Passe (class of ’68) was recognized by Syracuse’s Office of Multicultural Advancement.

The gift will support the Light Family Newhouse Scholarship, the Light Family Bandier Scholarship and the Carolyne Barry Scholarship, which was named in honor of Shelly’s sister.

“I have always believed that my time at Syracuse University opened doors and provided amazing opportunities that were invaluable to my career,” Light explains. “Shelly and I have always felt strongly about sharing our success with others. We are proud and excited to endow three scholarships for diverse students in need in the Bandier Program and the Newhouse School, and through the Carolyne Barry Scholarship in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Our love for the University is enormous, which is why we are thrilled to help students join the Syracuse family and have access to the same opportunities that I did.”

“As a member of the Board of Trustees, Rob is especially sensitive to the impact that scholarships have on our students,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “The Lights’ generous gift will help the University reach its critical goal in the Academic Strategic Plan to expand opportunity to diverse groups of promising students. The University is committed to creating an inclusive student body through access to vital resources and support.”