The Committee on Issues of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, a presidential advisory committee set a goal to establish an endowed scholarship fund to support LGBT students or those students pursuing research and/or community contributions in this field. It seemed like a wish that was far off, but a fund was established over a year ago with initial contributions made by Dr. Mark Hafen and Thom Jacob. The committee made the bold move to plan a fundraiser to try and reach the $25,000 minimum required to have an endowed scholarship fund that would begin producing yearly distributions to a deserving undergraduate or graduate student.

After one year of planning, a fantastic event was held on December 5th, 2008 featuring a reception, two short films and a comedy show by Vickie Shaw. With our wonderful sponsors from Sunbelt Title Corporation (Bob Spranti and friends) donation funds to bring Vickie Shaw to Tampa; Ciccio and Tony’s and the Lime restaurants providing donated food; CLIP film festival offering two short film features; our friends from Aramark going above and beyond with beverages, dessert and decorations; and our student PRIDE group providing the beautiful Marshall Center ballroom, we had an amazing night. On site was also a reporter from Watermark as well as WMNF radio station to interview Dr. Karen Berkman, CISOGI chair, Kristen Shalosky, PRIDE president and Dr. Mark Hafen, LGBT Alumni Association.

With over 115 people in attendance and contributions from the audience and several key donors, the fund was endowed by the end of the evening. That means in Spring 2009, we will have the opportunity to honor a student with a $1000 scholarship. As we grow this fund with additional donations, that scholarship distribution will also increase and make a huge difference in the life of a student who needs the extra support to be successful at USF.
We are proud to have been a part of such a warm and giving event that brought the community and USF together in an act of love and support. The LGBT community in the Tampa and surrounding region is a great resource and one we hope to continue expanding our relationship with for future projects.

Thanks to everyone who enhanced the future success of a student at USF.

Media Coverage:
WMNF 88.5
Watermark
Friday, December 5, 2008