Our Fund Foundation, the third largest LGBTQ+ foundation in the nation, has announced that Luke Turner, a graduate student at Florida Atlantic University, will receive the second annual Justin Flippen Memorial Scholarship.
When Justin Flippen, the beloved late mayor of Wilton Manors, died unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm in 2020, Our Fund Foundation swiftly launched the Justin Flippen Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor his enduring legacy.
Turner, who has a longstanding record of political activism and working for social justice, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from FAU in 2020 and will soon receive his master’s in political science. Ever since coming out, he has stood up for himself and has been an outspoken advocate for others as well.
“From a young age, school saved my life and served as both an escape and a new beginning where I was able to educate and challenge myself,” said Turner. “As I became increasingly informed, I was able to improve my communication and critical life skills, and build upon my passion of becoming a responsible citizen who always stands up for what is right.”
Ever since Turner can remember, he has been committed to public service. At the ages of 10 and 14, he volunteered to work on President Obama’s two campaigns and even had a chance to meet the former president on two occasions. Participating in mock-legislative conferences through 4-H solidified Turner’s dedication to public service leading him to intern for a U.S. Representative both locally and in Washington, D.C. and then on to serving as Governor of Florida Atlantic University – Boca Campus. All these experiences deepened his commitment and aspiration to become an attorney and serve the public.
“Our Fund Foundation is honored to administer the Justin Flippen Memorial Fund which will help 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 Our Fund Foundation.
“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.’”
Scholarships from the Justin Flippen Memorial Fund are awarded annually and in perpetuity, in increments of $1,000. Our Fund Foundation oversees the endowment which was created to provide financial support to Florida students who are aspiring to enter public service and pursuing a degree in political science or a related field. Preference will be given to students exhibiting interest in promoting LGBTQ+ equality.
“It is an honor to receive this scholarship in Justin Flippen’s name. He was a bridge-builder and a unifying leader,” said Turner. “I consider myself to be a trailblazer, because complacency is not an option.”
Our Fund Foundation intends on continuing to raise funds for the Justin Flippen Memorial Fund so the non-profit can increase and expand the number of future scholarships. For more information or to make a donation, visit our-fund.org/justin_memorial