THESTONEWALL

ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

2008 Recipients

Jasmine Stock

Jasmine Stock has been active in the LGBT community since her freshman year in high school when she first helped plan and participate in the Day of Silence.  She has maintained her commitment to the Day of Silence at EMU by planning and participating in events held on that day. She has volunteered with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center , planning Out Month and Pride Month events, including a Transgender 101 workshop and Ally training. Jasmine actively participates in many Eastern Pride Education Coalition’s speakers’ panels to raise awareness of LGBT people and issues in EMU’s classes. She is a student representative on the LGBT Advisory Board and Diversity Council, and she is the founder and president of the Gay-Straight Alliance at EMU. Jasmine’s reference writes, “Whether it is leading a discussion as part of LGBT Pride Month, marching during Pride Week, or even just standing up in class and making a statement, Jasmine is one of the most sincere people I have ever met. I can honestly say with complete candidness that if anyone is deserving of this award, it is Jasmine Stock.”

Michael Lee Brown

Michael Lee Brown has served over 1700 hours in Americorps, volunteering in after school programs, homeless shelters and AIDS education in the schools. He is now pursuing a career in Social Work and gaining insight into the role of social worker as public advocate. During his internship at the Ruth Ellis Center in Highland Park, Michigan, Michael has heard countless testimonials from queer and transgender youth about the effect of cultural stereotypes of deviance on them. Michael conducts biweekly meetings with fellow colleagues in the social work program to build cultural competencies involving the LGBT community. As a son of a transgender person, Michael is inspired to serve as a vocal advocate for this population. He has served on public speaking panels to educate future professionals and to inspire compassion and understanding for the needs of the transgender population. Michael’s reference writes, “Students have expressed great appreciation for his candor, generosity, and courage in sharing his background in this way.”