Neal Sinha: A Light Still Guiding Through Memorial Scholarship

When you met Neal Sinha, MSW ’23, you met someone whose compassion and determination radiated in every space he entered. Neal’s story was one of resilience, service, and academic excellence. Though his life was tragically cut short, his impact continues to ripple forward at Barry University and beyond through the Neal Sinha Endowed Memorial Scholarship, created by his sister, Shelley Sinha, his father, Pradeep Sinha, and his mother, Dorothy Sinha to honor his legacy

Neal was more than a student; he was a leader and a voice for others. After earning his BSW summa cum laude from Florida Atlantic University, Neal pursued his MSW at Barry University. He was awarded the Master of Social Work degree posthumously by Barry University in recognition of the dedication and excellence he demonstrated throughout his graduate studies.

His work extended far beyond the classroom: he served as a Group Therapist for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and at Delray Beach’s RECO Intensive Addiction Treatment Center, guiding individuals on their path to recovery. Neal drew deeply from his own journey, transforming his personal experience into a powerful tool to inspire, educate, and uplift others seeking hope and healing.

His dedication was recognized widely. Neal received Barry’s Dr. Neta Kolasa Scholarship for academic excellence and leadership, was honored as Student Social Worker of the Year (2021) in his NASW local unit, and coauthored a chapter in Social Work in Digital Societies. His writings appeared in Social Work Today magazine, where his thoughtful reflections on recovery and ethics highlighted both his scholarship and his heart.

For those who knew him, this was Neal’s essence: honesty, hope, and a fierce dedication to helping others chart new paths forward. From a young age, Neal had a gentle presence that made those around him feel safe. He was nonjudgmental and deeply empathetic, the kind of person people turned to for comfort and guidance. That same warmth and compassion became the hallmark of his professional life, making him exceptionally gifted in helping others heal.

Neal’s life was also enriched by the love and support of his husband, Will, who shared in his journey and his passion for helping others. 

When Neal passed, his family carried forward his spirit in the most meaningful way. His family established the Neal Sinha Memorial Scholarship at Barry University, an endowed award that supports undergraduate and graduate students in the School of Social Work.

The scholarship reflects Neal’s own life and passions, assisting students who show both academic promise and a commitment to serving others. It is, in many ways, Neal’s work continued: empowering new social workers to make lasting change in their communities.

Each recipient of the Neal Sinha Endowed Memorial Scholarship carries with them a piece of Neal’s story. They benefit not only from financial assistance but also from the example Neal set: to live with compassion, to pursue excellence, and to use one’s gifts to help others heal.

For Pradeep, Shelley, Dorothy, and William the scholarship represents a way to transform grief into hope. It ensures that Neal's life continues to shape futures, reminding the Barry community that even in loss, love can fuel extraordinary impact. 

Through the scholarship, the Sinha family ensures that Neal’s light, his empathy, his leadership, and his belief in the transformative power of social work will never dim. It shines on in every life touched by those who receive his scholarship, and in every act of service inspired by his memory