Join a Legacy of Supporting LGBTQIA+ Students

Seminole State College is proud to be part of a growing number of American colleges and universities to offer a scholarship for LGBTQIA+ students. Students qualify for consideration by composing a short essay to describe the impact of their orientation, identity, or expression on their lives. Funds from the scholarship help cover tuition or books with the goal of promoting students’ success. 

The LGBTQIA+ community has a long history of facing adversity and discrimination. Statistics reflect this as LGBTQIA+ teens are more likely to experience sexual assault and harassment, depression, substance abuse, attempted suicide, homelessness, and fear for their physical safety. All of these can make it harder for such students to reach college and succeed.

In 2012, Professor Samuel Gaustad (pictured above) created an LGBTQIA+ scholarship in recognition of the struggles such students face in disproportionately high numbers. He taught humanities, musical direction, and sound design at Seminole State College. He was passionate about art, knowledge, diversity, and justice. Gaustad recruited colleagues and friends to this project. He wanted to give LGBTQIA+ students a meaningful gesture of support and validation. 

Professor Samuel Gaustad died of cancer in October 2016, but his legacy of integrity endures. Please help us continue his ambition to help LGBTQIA+ students.