First-ever LGBTQA community scholarship awarded to OU student

By Eric Reikowski, media relations assistant

Oakland University’s LGBTQA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Ally) Employee Resource Group (ERG) recently established a new scholarship recognizing an OU student who demonstrates exceptional service to the LGBTQA community. Darrell Boyd was selected as the first recipient of the LGBTQA Community Advocacy Scholarship for helping to promote diversity and raise awareness of important issues.

“Darrell has earned the honor of receiving the ERG's inaugural scholarship award due to his embodiment of what it means to be a true leader in and beyond the LGBTQA community,” said Dr. Tim Larrabee, associate professor and chair of the ERG.

“Not only does he lead by example, positioning himself as a visible and vocal advocate for the LGBTQA community, but he actively engages his peers and has earned the respect of his advisers and professors. He works with them all to bring about acceptance and equality across the entire campus.”

As philanthropy chairman of Tau Kappa Epsilon, Boyd inspired fellow fraternity members to participate in events such as Oakland’s observance of National Anti-Hate Week. The group also plans to volunteer at the OU Gender and Sexuality Center, as well as the Affirmations community center in Ferndale.

As an OU Student Congress legislator, Boyd helped organize a vigil to honor the memory of OU sophomore Corey Jackson. Following Jackson’s death, Boyd began raising money in support of suicide prevention efforts and the Adopt-A-Family program.

Boyd also helped put together a forum of OU faculty and staff who openly identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer. A standing-room-only crowd gathered in the Oakland Center Fireside Lounge and listened to panelists answer questions about life on campus as an LGBTQA person.

Boyd will be honored at a reception to be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, outside in the patio area between the Oakland Center and O’Dowd Hall. OU President Dr. Gary Russi is expected to deliver welcoming remarks.

The ERG will offer a $1,000 scholarship for the 2011-2012 academic year. Full-time undergraduate students who have demonstrated leadership and service to the OU LGBTQA community can apply for the award by visiting the website and clicking on the “Community Advocacy Scholarship” link. Applications are due Friday, Oct. 14.

For additional information, contact Dr. Larrabee at (248) 370-4614 or larrabee@oakland.edu.