President Nellis and Vice President Secuban announce George Floyd Memorial Scholarship Fund

The following message was shared with the Ohio University community on Friday, June 5.

Dear Members of the University Community,

We have watched with great sadness as acts of hate and violence against African Americans have riddled communities across the United States. This has been going on for far too long. Like most of you, we have been yearning for strong action that denounces racism while helping to enforce systemic change that fosters a community of respect for people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Today, we are pleased to share that Ohio University and The Ohio University Foundation have taken one such step through the creation of The George Floyd Memorial Scholarship Fund in response to the June 4 call from the president of North Central University, Scott Hagan, who asked universities to consider creating this scholarship to honor Mr. Floyd during his memorial service in Minneapolis.

This new scholarship will be awarded to incoming or current student leaders who demonstrate leadership through multicultural student organizations and diversity initiatives at Ohio University or who have a history of inclusion and diversity-related leadership in their high schools or communities.

Through the creation of this scholarship, which will be administered by the Division for Diversity and Inclusion, we hope to demonstrate our commitment to inclusion and support of our African American students, faculty, staff, alumni, community and our nation as we collectively mourn the loss of Black lives and the widespread injustice that have been perpetrated against all people of color.

It is our hope that the scholarship recipients will continue to effect change for the betterment of our University and our society as we work together to model equality and embrace the power of diversity.

Kind Regards,

M. Duane Nellis,
President

Dr. Gigi Secuban, 
Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion