US Congressman Jim McDermott Recognizes GSBA

On May 18, US Congressman Jim McDermott, entered these remarks into the Congressional record:

Recognizing the Greater Seattle Business Association

Honorable Jim McDermott, Washington

May 18, 2010

Madame Speaker, today I rise to offer special recognition to the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) as it celebrates the 20th Anniversary of its Scholarsip Fund for undergraduate students. For two decades, these scholarships have provided promise and support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) and Allied students with strong commitment to civil rights.

In 1990, two teachers witnessed the challenges that confronted LGBT students as they pursued a college education, including discrimination from professors, harassment by other students, and unsupportive families. These teachers took matters into their own hands and created the GSBA Scholarship Fund. That year, the GSBA gave out two scholarships of $1,500 each. Since then, the Fund has grown significantly, and now grants a total of $135,000 in scholarships each year, with the individual scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $10,000.

One thing that makes the Scholarship Fund so special is the diversity of the students it supports. GSBA scholars come from every corner of Washington State, from cities and from rural communities. They are people of color, male, female, and transgender. But no matter where they come from, these talented students have the drive and passion to achieve great things in their lives. Indeed, former GSBA Scholars have gone on to become doctors, social workers, teachers and public servants. And, these scholars continue to fight for socail justice and equality for all, regardless of the careers they chose.

This 20th anniversary marks a particularly special milestone for the GSBA Scholarship Fund-the awarding of its one millionth dollar to support the education of LGBT and Allied students. The unfailing dedication of time, money and talent by GSBA leadership, members, and volunteers have made this achievement possible. I extend my thanks and best wishes to the GSBA and its outstanding scholars on their twenty years of changing lives and creating hope.

Jim McDermott

Member of Congress