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Marshall Parks Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Marshall Parks received his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Virginia.  Dr. Parks was an Associate Professor in the Educational and Interdisciplinary Studies Department at Western Illinois University in Macomb and at the Quad Cities Campus.  He taught Educational Philosophy and School Law to undergraduate and graduate students.  Dr. Parks was an outstanding teacher and a strong advocate for all students but especially GLBTQ students, serving for many years on the University Committee on Sexual Orientation at WIU.  Dr. Parks died in 2006.  This academic scholarship is offered to honor his legacy of scholarship and service and will be awarded to a candidate who best exemplifies academic achievement and significant service in the area of diversity.  The Marshall Parks Memorial Scholarship is made possible by donations to Quad Citians Affirming Diversity.  By providing a scholarship to a student, QCAD recognizes the student’s past achievements and provides support for the student’s future pursuits.  This is a competitive process with primary attention being paid to the applicant’s academic performance and past, current, or potential future service to the GLBTQ community.  The $500.00 in scholarship funds will be paid directly to the selected recipient and should be used to support educational needs such as tuition, books, fees, or personal expenses connected to the pursuit of a post secondary degree or certificate.  The scholarship recipient will by announced during the month of May, 2008.

Applicant Qualifications

Candidates for the award must meet the following criteria to be eligible for consideration by the QCAD Selection Committee:

 Judging

A Selection Committee made up of members of the QCAD Board of Directors will review completed applications and recommend a recipient to the QCAD Board of Directors who will make the final determination for the scholarship award.  Considerations will include academic performance, academic honors and awards, and service to the GLBTQ community. The review of applications is strictly confidential.  The Selection Committee is aware that applicants may not have informed family members and friends about their sexual orientation or gender identity.  Therefore every effort will be made to protect their privacy.  No justifications or critique will be provided to any third party or to applicants regarding final awardees or evaluation of rejected applications.  No release of information will be made without an applicant’s approval. 

Application Packet Checklist

1. Applications should be postmarked by May 1, 2008.

2. A typed cover letter stating your desire to apply for the award and why you consider yourself qualified for the award (discuss your academic achievement and service or potential for service to promote diversity).  You should also include:
   1. Full Name
   2. Mailing address
   3. Telephone Number
   4. Email address

3. Completed and signed application form.  Application Form

4. Personal essay.

5. Three letters of recommendation, each in a sealed envelope with the signature of the person writing the letter across the seal.

6. A current official high school transcript.

7. Copy of an acceptance letter.

Any questions regarding requirements or procedures can be addressed to Quad Citians Affirming Diversity (309-786-2580).