University News

New WIU LGBTQA+ Scholarship Available - Applications Open

July 3, 2019

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MACOMB, IL -- Western Illinois University Graduate Molly Holmes has established the Supporting LGBTQA+ Leathernecks Scholarship, which will be awarded each fall to an LGBT*QA student at Western. The scholarship is now available to students who identify as LGBTQA+, are in good academic standing and who demonstrate financial need.

Students can complete the application (attached here), or pick up an application in the WIU Foundation Office, Sherman Hall 303. The application and support materials are due by Friday, Aug. 9. During the April 24 Western Challenge, Holmes challenged fellow alums to contribute during the event, and as a result, enough funds were raised to create a second $1,000 scholarship for the 2019-20 academic year.

Holmes said the biggest motivator for starting the new scholarship for LGBT*QA students at WIU is so students know they are valued and they matter. As a student at WIU, Holmes was a peer health educator through Beu Health Center, a member of Unity and an assistant complex director in University Housing and Dining Services.

"Western was pivotal in my development both as a student and as a professional due in part to mentors who valued me as a person, inclusive of my sexuality and gender," Holmes said. "I want everyone to have that experience and have it at Western.

"This is an opportunity for the University to show support for underrepresented identities and show that Western is a place where everybody is welcome and valued," she added. "LGBTQA+ students count and matter to the Western community."

For additional information, contact Executive Director of Development Paul Bubb at (309) 298-1861 or at pa-bubb@wiu.edu.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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