Florida Atlantic University graduate student Carolina Gonzalez-Lerma received the fourth annual Justin Flippen Memorial Scholarship from The Our Fund Foundation on Aug. 5.
Our Fund is the third largest LGBT foundation in the nation, only being founded in 2011. The foundation promotes philanthropy, manages enduring investments, and conducts grant-making to improve the lives of queer people in South Florida.
"The Our Fund Foundation is honored to administer the Justin Flippen Memorial Fund which helps prepare future generations of leaders to follow in the footsteps of Justin’s thoughtful and passionate public service," said David Jobin, President and CEO of The Our Fund Fountain. "Justin distinguished himself as Florida Atlantic University’s first openly gay Student President and went on to become Wilton Manors Mayor. His life and career in public service were guided by Thomas Jefferson’s foundational principle, ‘Governments are the servants, not the masters, of the people.’"
When Flippen died unexpectedly of a brain aneurysm in 2020, Our Fund quickly launched the Justin Flippen Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor his enduring legacy of public service. Scholarships are awarded annually in increments of $1,000. The fund will continuously provide financial support to students at FAU who aspire to lead a life of public service and pursue a degree in political science or a similar field. Preference is given to students exhibiting interest in promoting LGBT equality.
Gonzalez-Lerma is pursuing a master’s degree at age 19, working full-time as a legal assistant, and studying for the LSAT exam, which shows her hard-working mantra and exhibits Flippen’s values.
"This scholarship provides me the continued opportunity to pursue my educational endeavors as I aspire to become an attorney to serve and further promote harmonious legal interactions and fair treatment of individuals," said Gonzalez-Lerma. "I receive this scholarship award with gratitude and great honor in hopes that it will continue to honor Mr. Flippen and his legacy of leadership and impact within the community."
The scholarship is available annually through FAU’s scholarship resource ScholarshipUniverse, a tool for students that makes finding and applying for scholarships easier. More information on how to apply can be found at fau.edu/finaid/types-of-aid/scholarships/.
