Yusuf Soule Leads North Side Learning Center
The center continues its mission following the August 12, 2026, passing of director Mark Cass.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Islam
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Yusuf Soule is serving as the interim director of the North Side Learning Center in Syracuse after the death of Mark Cass. Cass, the first paid executive director of the organization, died on August 12, 2026, at the age of 68.
Why it matters
The center remains a vital resource for immigrant families in Syracuse, providing essential language classes and services. Soule stepped out of retirement to ensure the organization maintained steady leadership during this transition period.
Mark Cass, who previously worked at ProLiteracy Worldwide, was 68 when he passed away. Participants in the center include Hussein Yerow, who is 34 and has lived in Syracuse for 17 years.
The players
Yusuf Soule
He is the current volunteer interim director of the North Side Learning Center who returned to Syracuse from retirement.
Mark Cass
He was the first paid executive director of the North Side Learning Center and a former employee of ProLiteracy Worldwide.
Chol Majok
He led a local initiative to install commemorative Mark Cass Way signs on Park Street in Syracuse.
Hassina Adams
She serves as the clerk of the Onondaga County Legislature and has been in the area for 11 years.
Hussein Yerow
He is a 34-year-old student who was recognized as student of the year in 2015 and has lived in Syracuse for 17 years.
The details
Founded by a core of Muslim educators, the North Side Learning Center on Park Street provides critical language and community support. The center is also preparing for its annual dinner at the Mosque of Jesus, son of Mary, which serves as a major fundraising event.
Timeline
2015: Hussein Yerow received student of the year recognition.
August 12, 2026: Mark Cass died.
October 2026: The North Side Learning Center holds an annual dinner.
Culture Shift
The organization continues to operate under the framework established by its original founding mission. This transition highlights the center's reliance on dedicated community leadership to maintain its long-term support for immigrant populations in Syracuse.
Residents and families relying on the center for language classes can expect operations to continue under interim leadership. The annual dinner provides the community a direct opportunity to support the organization's ongoing services on Park Street.
The takeaway
The continuity of the North Side Learning Center demonstrates the importance of volunteerism in sustaining community-based education programs. Residents can support these efforts by participating in the center's upcoming annual fundraising dinner.
Further reading
Learn more about local religious community efforts on our Islam page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Central Current.
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