Iliff to Honor Judy Shepard with First Frontiers Award
Iliff will honor Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard, as the first recipient of the Frontiers Award at the "Frontiers Award Event," April 28, 2011, The Cable Center, Denver.
The Frontiers Award has been established by Iliff to acknowledge and celebrate individuals or organizations whose courage, persistence, and determination has changed an unjust situation in the world. Judy Shepard will tell the story of "The Meaning of Matthew"—her story of how her son's death due to a hate crime propelled her to make a difference.
Judy and Dennis Shepard lost their 21-year-old son, Matthew, in October 1998, to a murder motivated by anti-gay hate. Their ordeal moved thousands of people around the world to attend vigils and rallies in Matthew's honor. Determined to prevent their son's fate from befalling others, Judy and Dennis established the Matthew Shepard Foundation to carry on Matthew's legacy by embracing the just causes he had championed. This includes working for gay and lesbian equality, hate crime legislation, and raising awareness through programs developed by the foundation. Judy is now speaking to audiences nationwide about what they can do as individuals and communities to make this world a more accepting place for everyone regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, and expression.
"It's important that Frontiers Award recipients demonstrate a commitment to social justice, show courage and commitment in the face of hate, criticism, laws, mobs, and unpopular opinions—to be advocates for social change," said Mary Underwood, vice president of institutional advancement. "Judy Shepard is changing the world with her powerful story and we honor her with the first Frontiers Award."
Iliff's legacy of honoring those who have cultivated social change by their peaceful actions began when the school hosted the Little Rock Nine, celebrating 50 years of progress in civil rights.
"Now, we welcome Judy Shepard and hope to continue to make our world a more just place by the sharing of her story," added Underwood.
Proceeds from this event will support Iliff's Diversities and Justice and Peace Programs. Sponsors include Out Front Colorado, Ernst & Young, Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, PFLAG—Denver Chapter, Ball Corporation, and Denver Voice.
Patron tickets for the Frontiers Award event are $125/person; general admission—$25/person; and students—$5/person. Corporate or organizational sponsorships are also available.
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The Iliff School of Theology is a graduate theological school related to United Methodist Church, serving more than 38 different faith traditions. Founded in 1892, the school provides several degree programs, including a Joint Ph.D. Program with the University of Denver.
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