Named Scholarship Award Highlights

Graduate Degree Program: Juris Doctor

Yale Law School - New Haven, CT

Hometown - Belleview, New Jersey

Robin McDonald Memorial Scholarship

Joe is receiving his second Gamma Mu Foundation scholarship. In 2024, he was honored with the Steinhilber Weiser Foundation Scholarship in recognition of his exceptional leadership and service to the LGBTQ+ community.

"I wouldn't be alive today without the support of the gay community. When my parents kicked me out of the house at 15, I relied on gay friends for places to sleep, food to eat, and reminders that life will get better. When faced with adversity, it is easy to close off and become overly reliant on your individual power. Fortunately for me, out of necessity I have recognized the importance and impact of community support. 

Unfortunately, LGBTQ youth, particularly those growing up like I did, continue to disproportionally suffer from unstable access to healthcare, housing, and community safety. The complexity and depth of these problems can feel overwhelming and isolating. When this happens, I remember the Drag performers who let me sleep behind the stage at their venues. I remember the many all-nighters I spent at Georgetown’s library, unable to close out of the archival footage documenting LGBTQ and HIV activism in the 1980s. I am reminded that in the face of conflict, oppression, and disease, the LGBTQ community has a long history of standing together and fighting back. With that motivation, I continue to fight for the community that has saved my life."

Degree Program: Bachelor of Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance and a Minor in Political Science

Morehouse College – Atlanta, GA

Hometown - Aurora, Colorado

Cliff Pettit Founders Award 

Myles, a current student at Morehouse College and executive board member of Morehouse ADODI, continues to make an impact through advocacy, leadership, and public service. As the organization’s social media manager, he works alongside peers to promote visibility and support for LGBTQ+ students at an institution where toxic masculinity and homophobia remain persistent challenges. His involvement with ADODI has helped foster a stronger sense of belonging and community on campus.

Last year, Myles made history as the first Gamma Mu Foundation scholarship recipient from a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). He was awarded the Art Husky and Herman Phillips Memorial Scholarship, recognizing his leadership, and academic excellence. His selection reflects not only his personal achievements, but also the Foundation’s expanding impact in supporting future LGBTQ+ leaders from diverse educational backgrounds.

In addition to his on-campus leadership, Myles has embraced several prestigious opportunities that reflect his intellectual curiosity and commitment to social justice.

In March, he represented the Jackie Robinson Foundation at its 2025 Mentorship & Leadership Conference, held in New Brunswick and New York City. As a Jackie Robinson Scholar, Myles engaged with peers from across the country, networked with leaders in law and public policy—including Tonya Lewis Lee—and visited the headquarters of Major League Baseball, a proud sponsor of the Foundation.

This summer, he was selected as a Sachs Foundation Scholar to participate in the University of Bristol’s Arts, Activism & Social Justice program in England. From June 15 to July 5, he is working alongside fellow scholars, local activists, and community leaders to explore how creative expression—through literature, art, and performance—can drive meaningful social change.

At the same time, Myles is interning with the Colorado Attorney General’s Office in the Department of Community Engagement, where he supports initiatives that reflect his long-term dedication to public service and community advocacy.

Degree Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Barry University  - Miami Shores, FL

Hometown - Ottawa, Ontario

Art Huskey and Herman Philips Memorial Scholarship

"I sincerely appreciate your support and generosity - both of which are helping me move my life towards furthering my academic development. I’ve come a very long way with my identity & expression, being a gay male is not a label but a piece of my heart and soul. 

I can only hope that you truly understand the reach and the impact of your efforts. Your contributions are so much more than a charitable gift. You’re sending a lifeline to Gay males going against statistics and beating the odds stacked against them. You are an essential part of fostering positive change and social wellness in our community. 

Once again, thank you for your genuine kindness and selflessness. You’ve made a world of difference." 

Degree Program: Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Health Sciences

Eastern Florida State College - Cocoa, FL

Hometown - Satellite Beach, Florida

Clark Trust Scholarship

"Being gay in a small, conservative town meant learning early on what it feels like to be “othered.” I faced slurs, bullying, and subtle exclusions that chipped away at my self-worth. But I fought back with purpose. In high school, I took that pain to the floor of the Florida House of Representatives, where I stood alone and defended a bill I wrote calling for anti-discrimination protections. People shouted me down, but I didn’t walk away. 

That experience lit the fire for what became a lasting commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy—one I carried with me to Penn, where I led the Wharton Alliance and worked with nonprofits to expand access and support for underserved communities. Over time, I realized my voice could go even further in medicine—by becoming a doctor who affirms every patient’s identity and experience. I’m now studying biomedical sciences so I can provide competent, compassionate care and help close the health equity gap LGBTQ+ people face every day. Discrimination tried to quiet me, but it only made me louder and more determined to serve others who’ve been silenced."