Two Students Awarded First LGBTQ* Scholarships at UK

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 12, 2016) — The University of Kentucky Office of LGBTQ* Resources recently announced the winners of the office’s first endowed scholarships. Tristan Suel and Max Hulsman were selected by the Office of LGBTQ* Resources as the recipients of this year’s scholarships.

The scholarship is available to currently enrolled full-time UK students to help defray the cost of tuition, room and board, books, education abroad and other expenses.

The scholarship was made possible by gifts to the UK LGBTQ* Endowment Scholarship Fund. Initially created by Keisa and Amanda Fallin-Bennett — two UK alumnae devoted to empowering student success — the scholarship fund seeks to support students who are committed to completing a degree at UK.

Suel and Hulsman expressed gratitude to the Office of LGBTQ* Resources for the scholarship as well as the support it provides.

Hulsman, a rising sophomore mechanical engineering major, said while he has only been at UK for one year, he appreciates the support the office provides.

“The Office of LGBTQ* Resources has helped me a good amount. It sponsors and aids the LGBT student groups on campus, such as the Gay-Straight Alliance, which I have had a fantastic time working with and being a part of,” Hulsman said.

Hulsman is also thankful for the connections he has made with faculty, staff and students across campus.

“The staff from the Counseling Center have helped as guests to Spectrums, the LGBT organization I am involved in leadership with, to mediate sensitive debates and discussion meeting,” Hulsman said.

Suel, a rising senior media arts and studies major, said UK has helped shaped her as an individual.

“UK has allowed me to freely be who I want to be and has given me a memorable place to know this is where I found myself,” Suel said. “The university provided teachers, instructors, great resources and friends that I have gained here to help with my process.”

Suel added UK has been a tremendous blessing to her life.

“UK is an extraordinary blessing because it gives growing individuals a fresh start to get in touch with who they are, to accept everything they are, and to love themselves,” said Suel. “I have learned to have a voice for myself and what I stand for through this university.”

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ* Resources, visit their website or connect with them on Facebook.

UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, visit  uky.edu/uk4ky. #uky4ky #seeblue

MEDIA CONTACT: Blair Hoover, 859-257-6398; blair.hoover@uky.edu