Dr. Qusay Salih Hussein Al-Mamari in a charcoal three-piece suit with a gold-patterned tie and sunglasses

Digital Legacy Archive · 1988 – June 14, 2025

Dr. Qusay Salih Hussein Al-Mamari

Ph.D. · MSSW · Scholar · Humanitarian · Author

From Mosul to Austin

Qusay Salih Hussein Al-Mamari was born near Mosul, Iraq. At seventeen, a suicide bombing took his sight and left injuries requiring more than 70 reconstructive surgeries.

While recovering at a Doctors Without Borders hospital in Amman, Jordan, he began counseling other patients. Resettled in Austin in 2012, he learned English, earned his GED, and went on to complete three degrees at UT Austin — a bachelor’s, a master’s, and a Ph.D. in social work.

He passed away on June 14, 2025, at 36. His legacy endures — in his memoir, in the Qusay Hussein Humanitarian Award, and in every life he touched.

Explore the archive — select a chapter:
    Qusay Hussein smiling in his cap and gown at his Austin Community College graduation in 2018
    Austin Community College graduation, 2018

    An Award in His Name

    “The Steve Hicks School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Austin has established the Qusay Hussein Humanitarian Award, to be given annually to a graduating student who demonstrates strength of character, resilience and compassion for others.”
    — Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin

    The University of Texas at Austin established the Qusay Hussein Humanitarian Award in his memory, ensuring that each year his spirit is carried forward by a graduate who lives the values he embodied.

    Read About the Award
    Book cover: Can You Open My Eyes? by Qusay Salih Hussein Al-Mamari with Monica Sakura Urso

    His memoir · Published 2025

    Can You Open My Eyes?

    By Qusay Salih Hussein Al-Mamari, MSSW, and Monica Sakura Urso, M.A.Edited by Christina Goebel, M.A. Qusay Hussein was just seventeen years old when a car bomber changed his life and he lost his vision. That was the beginning of a journey from Iraq, to Jordan, and across the world to the United States. That one moment caused Qusay to leave Iraq and his family, and start a solo adventure in a new country learning English. Despite incredible challenges and physical trauma that resulted in more than 70 reconstructive surgeries, Qusay shares his story with unforgettable positivity, strength, humor, and courage. He makes life in Iraq and the United States come alive for us — and we see new things through his eyes. Get the Book — Amazon Barnes & Noble