Bill Beachler
Following the death of Michigan State University alumnus Bill Beachler in January 2016, the MSU Pride Scholarship award amount has jumped to $20,000, and will be awarded to one or more students for the 2017-2018 academic year.
This is one of only a handful of such scholarships offered by U.S. universities – founded in 2000 by Beachler, and GLFSA (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Faculty, Staff, and Graduate Student Association) of MSU.
State Rep. Jon Hoadley (D-Kalamazoo) was the second student to receive this scholarship.
"He wanted to get to know each winner of the scholarship," Hoadley previously told BTL. "As a freshman he took me to lunch at Clara's – someplace I had never been to before – and he shared all this history and culture of the LGBT community that I, as a person from South Dakota, simply had no idea about. That mentorship was pivotal in the next choices I made to get involved."
Hoadley said the scholarship introduced him to educational advocacy and empowered his love for politics. Hoadley became one of the state's first openly gay lawmakers in 2014.
The award is given to an MSU undergraduate student selected through a competitive application process. Candidates should demonstrate academic achievement and involvement with, or contributions to the LGBT community. Allies are encouraged to apply. Preference is given to incoming first year (or transfer) students, although all undergraduate students are encouraged to apply.
To be considered for the Pride Scholarship, applicants should log onto the Student Affairs and Services scholarship website for requirements and suggestions for essay topics. Applications are due before March 13.
