Diana Cox has been awarded the prestigious Justin Flippen Memorial Scholarship, a $1,000 honor given annually to Florida students pursuing careers in public service.

Cox, who is completing her master’s degree in Political Science, was selected for her academic excellence and passion for community advocacy.

“This scholarship is especially meaningful to me as I strive to champion policies that advance social justice and protect civil rights for all,” said Cox in a press release.

The award, established by The Our Fund Foundation, honors the late Justin Flippen. Flippen was FAU’s first openly gay Student Body President and former Mayor of Wilton Manors, who died unexpectedly in 2020. Flippen was a trailblazer known for building bridges and empowering marginalized voices.

Dr. Jeffrey Morton, a political science professor who served on the selection committee, said Cox stood out for her “commitment to excellence, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels” and pointed to her dedication to promoting community development.

“In Justin's spirit, we look for students who seek to build bridges and connect people for a common cause,” Morton said in an interview with OutFAU.

The scholarship is particularly significant for FAU’s LGBTQ+ community, reinforcing Flippen’s enduring legacy.  

“Justin was an exceptional student and a wonderful person,” said Morton. “As a member of the University's Diplomacy Program, Justin led delegations to New York for national competitions. He was kind, caring, and made those around him better people.”

Learn more about this scholarship here. 

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