Why did OHIO establish a scholarship in remembrance of George Floyd?
The initial request for the creation of a Floyd Memorial Scholarship was made by Ohio University alumni. Given these requests, and in response to the June 4th call from the president of North Central University, Scott Hagan, who challenged universities to consider creating a scholarship to honor Mr. Floyd at his memorial service, Ohio University and The Ohio University Foundation created The George Floyd Memorial Scholarship Fund.
We have received significant positive feedback from donors eager to participate since announcing the fund and funds will ultimately 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.
Unfortunately, there are too many names for whom the scholarship could have been named to honor. We believe it is important to #saytheirnames, and choosing to name the scholarship reminds us of the injustice that has served as the impetus for the current movement.