In memory of Aaron, a scholarship at UMass Amherst is being set up in his name to reward student activists who are both academically successful and in financial need.
The exact wording is still subject to modification, however the scholarship will specifically seek to award students who demonstrate leadership qualities in the areas of student political empowerment, labor rights organization, and most importantly advocacy of civil liberties. The critical quality sought is the demonstrated ability to stand up to bodies of authority and assert the rights of one's self, a group, or a cause. These secondary qualities are not required, but each should be weighed into the candidate evaluation:
. Demonstrated determination and persistence . Eloquence in verbal and/or written communication . Awareness of political and historical contexts . Hobbies or interests demonstrating ardor for free thought . Above average understanding of the personal legal rights of individuals . Effectiveness in raising public awareness of an issue or philosophy . A studied knowledge of grassroots organizing tactics
If you would like to join us in honoring Aaron's memory in this way, please start sending checks with your tax-deductible charitable donations to:
Records & Gift Processing Office University of Massachusetts Memorial Hall 134 Hicks Way Amherst, MA 01003-9270
Checks should be made out to "UMass Annual Fund." You must put "Aaron D. Wilson Scholarship" in the memo line of the check. The checks will be cashed and you will receive a receipt. One can also donate by phone/credit card at 866-450-UMASS. Or online at The UMASS Foundation website (Click on "Give" in the top bar on that page and be sure to look for the "Other/subcategory" field while you fill out the second page and put "Aaron Wilson scholarship" in there, and select "UMASS Amherst Foundation" in the box above it.)
If we can raise $25,000 in Aaron's memory in five years, the scholarship will be endowed for perpetuity; if we fall short of that goal, the funds raised will convert in to a series of one-time scholarships.
We will periodically provide running totals of the amount raised, and provide the exact wording of the scholarship once it becomes available.
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