Organized in the fall of 1998 by 18 concerned individuals from Weber State University, Ogden, and Salt Lake City, this scholarship was the first scholarship in Matthew's name in the country.
The committee created the scholarship because they were horrified by Matthew's tragic death and wanted to create a resource to serve other LGBTQ+ students. The scholarship endowment fund has since been supported by several hundred donors. Donations have been received from across the country and around the world however, the majority of donations and donors are from Northern Utah.
In 2002, Matthew’s mother, Judy Shepard, visited WSU to deliver the keynote address at the WSU Diversity Conference. She spoke of her strong support for the scholarship and its importance in helping to stop hate crimes: "Our family would be most honored to have a scholarship fund in Matt's memory . . . such a generous offering."
The purpose of this endowed scholarship is to support students at Weber State University who identify as a sexual or gender minority as well as their allies. It is the goal of this scholarship to educate individuals about issues concerning sexual and gender minorities and to create an atmosphere of support and nurturing for all students at Weber State University.
Scholarship applications are accepted during the spring semester and scholarships are awarded for the academic year starting in the fall semester. Scholarship awards can cover resident tuition, books, fees and other educational expenses.
The Weber State University Matthew Shepard Scholarship strives to:
- Build awareness of the academic achievements and community service of sexual and gender minority students at Weber State University.
- Encourage recipients to complete their studies and become engaged, supportive community leaders.
- Raise the hopes and aspirations of sexual and gender minority students, many of whom strive against great obstacles.
- Build a healthier and more positive understanding of sexual and gender minorities both among themselves and in the public mind.
