George Floyd Memorial Scholarship Fund Information and FAQ

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.

We are conscious of the trauma that many associate with the murder of Mr. Floyd and are mindful that any remembrance may trigger that trauma. We believe it is important to remember those brutally murdered by saying and repeating their names, so we do not forget the faces of the movement.

Listen to the New York Times podcast  "I Want to Touch the World: We remember George Perry Floyd, Jr."

This scholarship will be awarded to incoming or current student leaders (who will be enrolled for classes during the next academic year) who demonstrate leadership through participation, specifically in multicultural student organizations and diversity initiatives at Ohio University or who have a history of inclusion and diversity-related leadership in their high schools and/or communities. 

Current or new OHIO students, continuing at OHIO full-time during the 2022 - 2023 academic year, are eligible to apply. Applicants must be in good academic and conduct standing and will be required to complete an essay defining their definition of multicultural leadership. Further, the application process will prompt applicants to outline the social justice impact they wish to have on the Ohio University community, especially in light of current events. 

Student leaders who are active members of OHIO’s multicultural student organizations and/or have the capacity and intent to be a part of and impact social justice initiatives at the University are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Many Black student leaders contribute richly to these initiatives at OHIO and are encouraged to apply, of course.