Keeper of the Dream award nominations accepted through Oct. 9

Oakland University is searching for student leaders to apply for the 18th annual Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Award. Students who are involved in any of the 170 student organizations on campus and who have contributed to breaking down racial and cultural stereotypes may qualify. Applications are due on Friday, Oct. 9.

“We are looking for people who want to make a difference – a big ways and small. If you’ve volunteered, if you’ve been involved in on-campus activities, if your dream is to help make the world a better place, then you should apply,” said Bridget Green, assistant director, Center for Multicultural Initiatives.

The Keeper of the Dream scholarships range from $2,500 to $5,000. Criteria for the award includes students who have demonstrated strong citizenship, scholarship and leadership in breaking down cultural stereotypes and in promoting interracial understanding. The awards are presented publicly each year at the annual Keeper of the Dream Celebration.

“Students who are interested in applying should keep in mind that activities such as volunteering, participating in an event, or working with fellow students on a common cause are significant. You may not think what you’re doing makes a difference, but it does,” Green said.

Each year, the Keeper of the Dream Award pays tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for his achievements on behalf of civil rights. The student scholarships honor undergraduate students who have contributed to his legacy of interracial understanding and good will. The 2010 Keeper of the Dream Award will be presented on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 18 at an award luncheon. Susan Taylor, editor emeriti of Essence magazine and founder, National Cares Mentoring Movement, will be the keynote speaker at the event.

Applications for the award are available at the Center for Multicultural Initiatives, 134 North Foundation Hall, or online at oakland.edu/kod. Students must submit an application along with a typewritten resume highlighting involvement and leadership that promotes racial understanding and efforts to break down cultural barriers at OU. The application also must include an essay of 500 words or less describing how the student made a positive impact to improve interracial understanding at OU. Three verifiable letters of nomination from members of the Oakland community who can support the student’s multicultural initiatives must also accompany the application. Nominees will be required to complete a brief interview with the selection committee.

For additional information, please contact the Center for Multicultural Initiatives at cmi@oakland.edu or (248) 370-4404.