Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., a Church of Christ University regarded as one of Harding’s “sister schools” recently introduced a new scholarship for students “promoting the health (mental or physical) and wellness of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community” according to the scholarship form.
According to Steve Rouse, who is a Pepperdine professor and the advisor for the gay-straight alliance on campus “Reach Out,” said the Vinci Ellsworthe Scholarship will give aid to students who are engaged in any range of research or service activities in regards to the LGBTQ community.
Rouse said the purpose statement allows the requirements to be broad enough to support diverse efforts. For example, he said a psychology student might want to study the suicide risks associated with alienated LGBTQ students. Or a theater student might be interested in developing a production to display the experiences of gay individuals who are victimized. Or a group of students might want to serve at a homeless gay teen shelter or help with AIDS prevention and awareness. Rouse said the scholarship will promote these examples of service and research.
“Throughout Christ’s life, we see him serving others, but especially those who are marginalized and stigmatized,” Rouse said. “This scholarship will promote service to a marginalized community in our time, so I see this as a way of encouraging the Pepperdine student body to live out a life of Christlike service.”
A specific part of the application asks students to reflect on the way his or her activities in the LGBTQ community will align with the university’s mission. Through this reflection and service, Rouse said, students will help to benefit the lives of others, especially those who are often avoided and attacked.
In addition, Rouse said he hopes that the scholarship will have a positive effect on the LGBTQ community, including any gay members of the Pepperdine student body.
“Our society is so polarized, as if you have to choose a side in a ‘gays vs. Christians’ battle,” Rouse said. “Too often, in their interactions with Christians, gay people have had many more experiences being the recipients of condemnation and judgment than being the recipients of grace. … I hope that, through the efforts of the students who receive the Vinci Ellsworthe scholarship, the LGBTQ community will have an opportunity to feel God’s love and grace through the research and service of those who follow Him.”
Pepperdine Provost Darryl Tippens said in an article by “The Graphic,” a daily newspaper by Pepperdine’s student media, the scholarship is a “continuation of the university’s commitment to diversity rather than a change in policy or practice.” He said the scholarship is a continuation of the commitment to provide a welcoming environment to all students and peoples, regardless of sexual orientation.
The scholarship is named after, established by and funded by Pepperdine donors Frank James Vinci and George Bushnell Ellsworthe. Tippens said the scholarship has not yet been awarded and all students, regardless of orientation, are eligible.
