University Awards 2002-03
LGBT Leadership Scholarship
to Jason Ronbeck

When the University of Puget Sound held its first reunion specifically for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) alumni during Fall 2000, organizers wondered if it would be possible to establish an endowed scholarship for LGBT students who show leadership on campus.   Less than two years later, the University has awarded the second scholarship to Jason Ronbeck, from an endowment of more than $25,000, raised through the efforts of alumni, faculty and staff of the University, and the Office of Development.  (The first scholarship was awarded in Fall 2001 to Jolie Harris.)

2002-03 recipient Jason Ronbeck

Ronbeck's accomplishments include:  

• Serving as a visible gay male role model on our campus, co-president of Understanding Sexuality, member of As Is, and online confidant for numerous Puget Sound students who are questioning their sexuality or not yet comfortable enough to be out.

• Serving as the student coordinator for the 2000-01 Diversity Theme Year, “Crossing Boundaries, Unfolding Identities,” and helping to bring renowned lecturers, performance artists, and programs to the campus.  

• Providing a strong voice for diversity with the Student Diversity Center, serving on the Governing Council.  

• Chairing the Safe Zone Committee, which coordinates workshops and publishes materials about creating inclusive environments on campus.  

• Educating and raising awareness on campus through involvement as a panelist for Queer 101 resentations in classes, residence halls, and student organizations.

• Serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Trail.

A plaque with the names of the LGBT Leadership Scholarship recipients and Lavender Graduates hangs in room 203 of the Wheelock Student Center.

Monica Nixon
mnixon@ups.edu