Recordpub.com - $2 million to aid KSU gay group Pledge first endowment to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender students

Akron businessman Harry Jackson has pledged at least $2 million to support the first endowment for scholarships and programming for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students at Kent State University.

Jackson, a former B.F. Goodrich tax attorney who has owned the Odd Corner, a tobacco and gift shop in downtown Akron, for more than 35 years, says he is making the gift to inspire LGBT students.

"I'm hoping they'll get politically active and educated," he says. "By educating them, they'll become part of the process."

Jackson says he selected KSU because of the campus environment.

"Kent State is more gay-friendly and progressive than other area universities," he says. "It's a good place to start a major LGBT program."

The pledge is among the largest ever made for LGBT students at a university.

Jackson sought to give flexibility in how the endowment will be used, so it could be directed toward areas of greatest need. It can be spent not only on scholarships, but for programs, speakers and travel to conferences and events. A committee of faculty, staff and students will meet to allocate the funds each year.

"Mr. Jackson's tremendous commitment to Kent State contributes to our goals of building diversity and providing an inclusive and welcoming environment," said President Lester A. Lefton. "We are thrilled that he has selected us to bring his vision to reality."

"This is the first time there has been something specific for our LGBT students," says Brenda McKenzie, interim director of the Center for Student Involvement. "It is a unique opportunity to provide for a population that doesn't always get recognized."

Jackson, an Akron resident since he moved to the city when he was 8 years old, will fund the majority of his pledge through a bequest gift. Jackson will contribute $25,000 to the endowment immediately, and will add to it with annual contributions. The ultimate size of the gift may exceed the $2 million pledge.

"This gift will give us the chance to do more meaningful programs that will bring in more of the university population," says Leora Rzepka, president of PRIDE! Kent, a campus LGBT student group. "Getting our message out to a broader audience will help us achieve our goal of equality and understanding across campus."

14.	Posted by whydoicare April 20, 2008
	What a waste of two million dollars. What does a LGBT program entail? How does one get a scholarship for being gay? Isn't that discrimination against heterosexuals? Could I set up an endowment to give scholarships to heterosexual men and women? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has estimated America's gay, lesbian, and bisexual population at around 8.8 million people. That translates to somewhere between 2.5 and 3 percent. There are more Americans who suffer diabetes OR mental illness OR poverty. We give way to much focus for such a small group. Why not give that 2mill to study those issues. The posts here make a very thinly veiled argument: gays should get SOMETHING because white heterosexual men have been successful. Furthermore, the AUDACITY of some posters to say that "white males--who generally do have some privilege whether they know it or not' is absurd, especially in this day in age. This serves as a clear STEREOTYPE by small, bigoted, racist minds against white hetero men. Our "politically correct' culture has vilified the normal and typical (being straight and in a hetero relationship) in order to elevate a small portion of our population to a status of perpetual victimization in order to manipulate opinion, laws and obviously cash! By the way, the last time I checked, the "Odd Corner' was a head shop that sold sex toys and what most people would consider "drug paraphernalia'. No surprise that is where the money for this junta comes from!

12.	Posted by Ohio Gal April 18, 2008
	I think, know and believe that many of those white hetero men in leadership positions are also part of the LGBT but out of fear stay in the closet. (Look at the former governor of NJ) Our country is making great strides in more doors being opened for all types. But remember as a group the men you reference also have the highest rates in many areas, college graduation, gainful employment, various successes. They have done it collectively as a group. The womens movement did as much to hurt women as it did to help them. Same thing with the blacks, as much as they hurt themselves as a group they also help themselves. Young black men are finally getting more and more role models to look up to. Young white men have for generations had role models to emulate. I think the group LGBT will be successful for how they go out in the world and achieve their successes to be role models for the youth that will follow that path. I just don't believe that the heterosexual white male should be punished because as a collective group they have had advantages either. I am just tired of all the separation. Women, either white or black or mixed. Men, gays and religion. I think the entertainment industry has opened many doors as we now watch these different and varied lifestyles in our homes and more people have gotten comfortable. At the end of the day we are all humans, the effort you put in is going to be a direct impact on your results. The smart mouthed, disrespectful, attitude guy, that cheats steals and lies that may be white and heterosexual will not go as far as a black man or women, white woman or even a gay person who has class, character, a moral compass and intellect. Of course in any arena a snake always slips through but in due time peoples true nature shines through. I'm all about ability to carve your own path and create your own destiny. White males shouldn't be punished or offered less opportunity because for generations it's been easier for them. Ok, I'm rambling. Have a great weekend.

11.	Posted by darknight7884 April 18, 2008
	Ohio Gal-- I think one need not look any further than the management or leadership of practically whatever agency you work for--the overwhelming majority is that of white males--who generally do have some privilege whether they know it or not. I think these scholarships for "other" people are an attempt to level the playing field. As far as the heterosexual club comment, most non-homosexual clubs ARE a heterosexual club. In most of these clubs, LGBT students, yes, are allowed to join--but to openly show any of their culture and feelings?

10.	Posted by Ohio Gal April 18, 2008
	Higher education should not offer perks to different sexually orientated people. Although I'm a heterosexual I did not walk around my college campus promoting it nor denying it. Why is it that we can have clubs, organizations for LGBT, Blacks, women, etc. As soon as it's a mens club, a heterosexual club or a white club everyone yells discrimination. If the money was given and earmarked for heterosexual only everyone would be up in arms. If you are intelligent, articulate, gifted in the arts or very athletic does it matter what happens in your personal life, more importantly the bedroom? How exactly do you prove you fall in to this group? What if your in an experimentation stage and end up heterosexual but tried it for awhile. Equal education for all regardless of what sexual orientation you prefer. The people of this selected group can also apply for academic, athletic, music, talent etc scholarships, I'd love to hear what they would say if there was a scholarship or monies only available to heterosexual, white males. For the record I have many dear friends who I respect who are male, female, white, black,Cuban,Irish, gay, straight, confused and handicapped. My examples are for illustraion purposes only not to just pick on any one group.

9.	Posted by darknight7884 April 18, 2008
	averagejoe--- I mean, let's be honest. Think back to high school and how most kids would treat a gay or lesbian student--not exactly a study conducive environment; and for most, lets just forget about sports as extracurricular activities to help college admissions/scholarships in the first place. I knew a couple of guys in my high school who were students/Coleman Professional patients who spent most of their time on the depressed side and did not really blossom academically until college, and I suppose its more accepting atmosphere. Obviously not all LGBT students have this experience, but certainly a lot do, if you use Portage county high schools as a reference--where a fair amount of KSU students originate from. Of course, my rather limited experience of two people from high school doesn't give me a population wide representation of LGBT High school students and I accept that, so if anyone else has some experiences to share, I'd love to hear.