The Foundation
The Joshua Dane Hughes Foundation was born as a way to memorialize and honor our son. It is a memorial scholarship fund which is supported by a 5K run, Jogging for Josh. Each year, the foundation will offer a deserving student the financial assistance needed to pursue a higher education. The scholarship provides the means for learning and character development achieved through hard work and dedication by earning a professional degree. All proceeds are awarded as scholarships to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Joshua's Alma mater. The focus of the scholarship will be awarded to a student who desires to pursue a career in Political Science or Peace, War, and Defense with a focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
It is Joshua's legacy of helping and loving others that we strive to carry on in honor of his lasting memory. Joshua had many wonderful traits; his contagious smile, and how he took the time to really get to know you for who you were as a person, were just a few. He always desired to bring happiness to those around him. Joshua had a drive to learn as much as possible about the world around him. It was his educational drive which allowed him to achieve two Master’s degrees, one at University College London and the another at King's College – both in the United Kingdom. He used his education to fulfill his life goal to work in the White House and used his passion for politics to work with the Joint Chief of Staff. Joshua also loved to run and workout, as if it was almost a daily hobby for him. He was committed to being healthy and staying fit. It is our hope, the scholarship recipients from the Joshua Dane Hughes Foundation will aspire to attain their life goals and will use their future success to also help others in their community and bring happiness to the world.
On November 15, 1992, Joshua was born a premature baby and although he struggled at times growing up, he was committed to helping others: his family, his friends, his co-workers, his community, and his country. He loved making people happy and he always placed his happiness aside to assure all were content. On July 3, 2023, the sun set on Joshua Dane Hughes’ life at 30 years of age. His memory remains ever present in the hearts and minds of those he touched and loved.