Penn State Law in University Park creates George Floyd Memorial Scholarship Fund

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State Law in University Park has created the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship Fund to provide financial support to a rising second-year or third-year student who is a member of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA). Dean Hari M. Osofsky and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Jill C. Engle provided the initial funds to establish the scholarship.

“The idea for the scholarship emerged from actively listening to Black students, faculty, and staff to develop concrete action steps to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism,” said Dean Osofsky. “It is crucial, as we honor and remember George Floyd and other Black people killed by police officers, to commit ourselves to supporting the next generation of lawyers who come from diverse backgrounds. The George Floyd Memorial Scholarship Fund provides BLSA students with financial need the opportunity to contribute their talents to our law school and the legal profession.” 

Penn State Law joins Penn State, the Penn State College of Education, and other universities and colleges around the nation in establishing a scholarship that honors the memory of George Floyd.

“I am honored to be part of this initiative to support a pathway through law school for individuals who need financial support, particularly during this time of immense social change,” said Engle. “We are hopeful that this scholarship, remembering the life of George Floyd and by implication honoring the lives of all Black people, will play a small part in advancing racial justice. It is the least we can do, and it is with deep humility that I am giving what I can financially to support it.”

Penn State Law plans to grow this scholarship over time so that it can offer assistance to a greater number of students. Those who are able to do so are encouraged to donate to the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Gifts to the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship Fund at Penn State Law will advance "A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence," a focused campaign that seeks to elevate Penn State’s position as a leading public university in a world defined by rapid change and global connections. With the support of alumni and friends, "A Greater Penn State" seeks to fulfill the three key imperatives of a 21st century public university: keeping the doors to higher education open to hardworking students regardless of financial well-being; creating transformative experiences that go beyond the classroom; and impacting the world by fueling discovery, innovation, and entrepreneurship. To learn more about "A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence," visit greaterpennstate.psu.edu.