The Story Behind the Center 

Andrew Spector was born on June 14, 1965 with Downs Syndrome.  He loved the fact that his birthday was on Flag Day.  Andy was born when most families did not take Downs Syndrome babies home with them and to a young couple with limited financial means.  Due to a congenital heart defect typical in individuals with Downs Syndrome and during a time when the necessary medical intervention was not available, Andy was not expected to survive. After 52 years of an incredibly fulfilled life, that included reading, working, traveling, sports, social activities and becoming an uncle, my brother passed away of natural causes on April 24, 2018.   

Andy’s life was made beautiful not only by the deep love and caring of our parents and family but also by the impact of so many amazing special needs teachers, social workers, case workers, and healthcare providers.  In memory of Andy and as a tribute to these individuals, our family wanted to help establish a nationally recognized Special Education Center to encourage and support many more incredible people to dedicate themselves to helping special needs individuals who reside in communities that are financially challenged. We selected Temple University because of its strong reputation and unique position training special education teachers working in these communities.  Our hope is that the Center will provide a deeper understanding of the unique issues and the most successful approaches for the educating and developing these individuals. We hope the Center will become a place that inspires others around the country to enter the field of special education and become a home where these teachers can grow, develop and support each other as they help beautiful souls like Andy live lives as fulfilled as his. 

The Spector Family