Stephen C. Mahan III, a professor in Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, died on July 26 in a motorcycle crash in Manlius, according to Syracuse.com. He was 61.

Mahan was the founding director of SU’s Photography and Literacy Project, which began as the Literacy, Community, and Photography Program in 2005, according to a Thursday SU News release. The project helps Syracuse city students express themselves in words and imagery through a collaboration between the university’s Coalition of Museums and Art Centers, VPA and the Syracuse City School District.

In addition to the project, Mahan also worked at the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection, the Southwest Community Center and the North Side Learning Center.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Aug. 18 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, with calling hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 17.