Three-time UT Social Work graduate Qusay Hussein (BSW ’21, MSSW ’22, Ph.D. ’25) was posthumously recognized Friday evening as one of the 2025 Outstanding Young Texas Ex recipients, an award issued by the Texas Exes.

The Outstanding Young Texas Ex Award was created by the Texas Exes in 1979 to recognize alumni age 39 and under, who “have made significant achievements in their careers, community and service to the university.” Dr. Hussein joins Emmy-winning television producer Ashley Glazier, entrepreneur Eddie Lopez, and astrophysicist Sarafina Nance in the 2025 class of Outstanding Young Texas Exes.

In 2006, Dr. Hussein survived a suicide bombing attack in Mosul, Iraq, which left him blind and critically injured. After numerous reconstructive surgeries, he was resettled in the U.S. in 2012, where he went on to become a powerful voice for refugees and individuals with disabilities. He passed on Saturday, June 14, 2025, after living courageously and valiantly with kidney cancer.

Dean Allan Cole spoke on behalf of UT Social Work during the award ceremony, and received the award on Dr. Hussein’s behalf.

“What made Qusay such a remarkable human was not only that he overcame so much; nor that he built such resilience amid profound challenges and hardships—though he certainly did all of that,” remarked Dean Cole. “He understood his life mission to be that of an educator and mentor—one who walked alongside of others, especially those looking for answers to the hard questions of life, and especially those living with disabilities. He was a virtuoso in his work. He set a stunning example of grace, authenticity, and humanity for others to follow.”

Dr. Hussein earned a dual bachelor’s degree in psychology and social work, followed by a master’s and Ph.D. in social work from UT Social Work. He continued to give back as an interpreter and mentor, having served on the boards of Doctors Without Borders, Refugee Services of Texas, and UT Austin’s Services for Students with Disabilities advisory committee. His passion and boundless optimism were among his greatest character traits, resulting in a global reach and numerous lives impacted.

“Qusay’s achievements—especially in the face of extraordinary personal adversity—embody the very essence of this award,” wrote Robert Jones, CEO of the Texas Exes. “We remain profoundly moved by his strength and resilience.”