Syracuse honoring Pearl Washington with new education fund

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) Dwayne ''Pearl'' Washington left an indelible mark on Syracuse basketball, and the university is honoring his legacy by establishing the Pearl Washington Endowed Fund for Continuing Education.

The school has set a goal to raise $1 million to endow the fund, which will support student-athletes who leave the university and later return to pursue their degrees.

Those who visit the Honoring Pearl Washington website and make a gift of $31 or more will receive a commemorative window cling. Results of the fundraising effort will be announced at a tribute ceremony for Washington at the Georgetown game in the Carrier Dome on Dec. 17.

Washington, who went from New York City playground wonder to Big East star for Orange coach Jim Boeheim, died of cancer in April at age 52.

Washington left Syracuse after his junior year to play in the NBA. After his pro career, he returned to Syracuse to complete his class requirements and received a bachelor's degree in speech communication. He was working toward a master's degree in the school of education during the 1990s when he was first diagnosed with a brain tumor.