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

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April 17, 2008

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."




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4.
    Posted by darknight7884 April 17, 2008
While I do agree with the fact that GLBT students do not usually have the opportunities that "straight" students do, and perhaps deserve some help in college; I think it will be interesting to see how one would qualify themselves for such a scholarship and how they would weed out heterosexuals: "Man, that dude is SOOOO hot!---can I have my money now?"

3.
    Posted by wbw April 17, 2008
Wow Do - That's a pretty harsh statement. I say bravo to Mr. Jackson. But, as an FYI - read the beacon's take on this...interesting....

2.
    Posted by DoWhatsRight April 17, 2008
Well it is not bad enough that KSU had to live through the May 4th incident, now we have to live through being thought of as a Gay School.. What next will they change the name to GSU. Gay State University?

I think this donation is a slap in the face to higher education and is his way at getting back at a university that took his property. The Gays just don't realize it.

1.
    Posted by billshane342 April 17, 2008
Well, that is cool. Now tell me how that group will spend that much money? for what. PR, parties, meals, maybe scholarships?

Nice to see KSU getting large amounts of cash, besides sports...

Howdy Daddy Faf..

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