SCHOLARSHIPS
“Matthew had such hopes for the future, his future. He was always anxious for the next step – the next stage of his life to begin. Every new step meant new challenges, new friends and new experiences. These experiences opened his eyes and heart even more to the differences in people. He knew that judging, stereotyping and categorizing people was the loss of an opportunity.”
– Judy Shepard, Matthew’s mother and Executive Director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation
“Matt’s gift was people. He loved being with people, helping people, and making others feel good. The hope of a better world, free of harassment and discrimination because a person was different, kept him motivated.”
– Dennis Shepard, Matthew’s father
The Matthew Shepard Point Scholarship
Though Matthew Shepard's life was cut short by hate, he lived that life with a deep desire to help others and a sincere hope that all people would be treated with understanding, compassion and acceptance. To honor that commitment to service and equality, the Matthew Shepard Foundation and Point Foundation have partnered to create the Matthew Shepard Scholarship Fund. In fitting tribute to Matthew's life, dreams and beliefs, this scholarship will help some of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community's future leaders and role models receive the college education they deserve and need to help make this world a better place.
In addition to receiving a grant, each Matthew Shepard Point Scholar will become a member of the Matthew Shepard Foundation's Youth Advisory Council. Through this vital role, each scholar will be educating their peers and the public about embracing diversity and the dangers of hate. Not only through their academic pursuits, but through their active participation in the advancement of equality, each scholar will make an invaluable contribution to society and its future.
Past Awardees: Mark Cornelson (05-07) Matt Oertli (05-07) Jennifer Wohlner (05-07)
Matthew Shepard Foundation
The Matthew Shepard Foundation was founded by Dennis and Judy Shepard in memory of their 21-year old son, Matthew, who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in Wyoming in October 1998. Created to honor Matthew in a manner that was appropriate to his dreams, beliefs and aspirations, the Foundation seeks to "Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion & Acceptance" through its varied educational programs and by continuing to tell Matthew's story. To learn more about Matthew and the Matthew Shepard Foundation, please visit www.MatthewShepard.org.