Memorial Scholarships

In October of 1998 the world was shocked at the malicious hate crime that occurred against the young college student from Wyoming.

Since 1999, with the support of the Shepard family, the LEAGUE Foundation has honored Matthew's memory by awarding at least one scholarship to a student who had demonstrated leadership in promoting diversity and understanding in the community.

In the words of Judy Shepard...
“We at the Matthew Shepard Foundation applaud those who educate and inform others on the acceptance of one another, regardless of sex, national origin, race, religion, disability, gender identity or expression. Your annual scholarship is a shining example!
Once again thank you for setting up this scholarship in Matthew’s name.”

The LEAGUE Foundation is honored to award an annual scholarship in memory of Laurel Hester.

First awarded in 2006, this scholarship is named after the Ocean County, N.J. Police Lieutenant who successfully battled county freeholders for the right to leave her pension and other benefits to her surviving domestic partner, Stacie Andree.

In 2007 award winning film maker and director Cynthia Wade documented the last days of Laurel's struggle with her illness and with her fight for equality. "Freeheld" has received many awards with the most notable being the Academy Award (OSCAR®) for Best Documentary Short Film and the Special Jury Prize at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival.

Related Websites:
Cynthia Wade
"Freeheld"

The LEAGUE Foundation honors the memory of Tyler Clementi, who at the age of 18 became the victim of a horrible cyber-bullying act. Tyler committed suicide in 2010 after this act. We will award a scholarship annually in his name.

"Our family is honored and so very grateful that Tyler's legacy will be continued with a scholarship in his name for a worthy student from the LGBTQ community." - Jane Clementi - Tyler's mother

You can learn more about Tyler's story by clicking here.

The LEAGUE Foundation is honored to award an annual scholarship in memory of Frank Duracher.

Long-time CFO of LEAGUE at AT&T and previously Treasurer to the Georgia Chapter of LEAGUE, Frank Duracher was a passionate advocate of being your authentic self at work, and believed in the opportunities LEAGUE offered to educate communities about LGBTQ+ issues and to encourage more people to be open to diversity and the inclusion of everyone.
 
As well as an 8-year career at AT&T, Frank gained his Master of Accountancy degree from Auburn University and built his own CPA firm, with the encouragement of Scott, his husband of over 25 years.  Frank was also a huge fan of all things Disney and "Nightmare Before Christmas" in particular.

Frank tragically lost his battle with cancer in April 2022, and we celebrate his life and work at LEAGUE at AT&T with this annual award.