Southeast Missouri State University alumnus Nicholas Maddock has endowed The Nicholas K. Maddock LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) Ally Scholarship through the University Foundation.

This is the first LGBT focused endowment offered at Southeast and is currently at $10,000, most of which has come from donations from faculty, staff, students and the University Foundation matching personal contributions. One recipient of the scholarship will be chosen annually, and will receive $500. The scholarship amount could increase if the endowment receives more donations in the future.

"Words cannot express how grateful I am to have support all across the university for this scholarship," Maddock said. "From the University Foundation, which matched personal contributions up to $10,000, to the many students, faculty, staff and alumni who donated to this scholarship. I reached out to several former mentors, professors and alumni at Southeast who generously gave in support of the cause."

One student in particular, Ethan Miller, donated $1,000 to the scholarship. Miller is a senior majoring in vocal music performance who said he donated to the scholarship due to the relationship he had with his father and to help provide support to LGBT students and their allies.

"He never liked the fact that I was gay, and we never had a relationship because of it. When he died, I got a portion of his 401k payout," Miller said. "Recently after that happened, I heard that Nick was trying to organize an LGBT scholarship. I knew instantly that I wanted to give a portion of that money to it.

"I never felt accepted by my father, and I knew I couldn't count on him to help with college. With this scholarship, however, I could take something that had been such a negative experience for me and turn it into something so positive for someone like me. There are so many kids out there who have fathers just like mine was -- fathers who won't support them or help them because of who they are. Being able to play a part in their support system is worth so much more than $1,000."

Miller also hopes the scholarship will give LGBT students a positive college experience.

"The area we live in can sometimes seem less than friendly for LGBT students. Often their families and friends will turn their back on them," Miller said. "This scholarship is proof that someone, or in this case several people, out there cares about them and wants to help them succeed. I was blessed with one parent who has nothing but unconditional love and acceptance for me. Some people don't even have that. I want this scholarship to serve as a warm pat on the shoulder that says, 'We care about you. You are not alone.'"

Capital One in Richmond, Virginia, where Maddock currently works as a financial analyst, also contributed $2,000 to the scholarship.

"Capital One also matched up to $2,000 of my personal donations, and I am extremely grateful to be employed by a company that is generous enough to make such a contribution on behalf of its employees," Maddock said. "I believe the matching contribution speaks volumes about the values instilled in their culture."

Maddock identifies as an LGBT individual and was heavily involved in the LGBT community during his undergraduate time at Southeast while also being involved in numerous clubs and organizations such as Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, Student Government Association and various volunteer initiatives.

His involvement within the community led to Maddock being awarded the "Civic Leadership Award" at the 2014 Student Life and Leadership Awards banquet. He hopes that by endowing this scholarship students will be able to have a successful experience like he did and promote change.

"I wanted to endow this scholarship because I had an amazing experience at Southeast Missouri State University and didn't have to pay a dime throughout my time here," Maddock said. "It is only right to help pay that forward for all Southeast has given me. I also hope to help promote change at Southeast in regards to the LGBT community. I want people to know that Southeast is the first choice for all students, regardless of one's sexual orientation or gender identity."

The scholarship is open to any enrolled Southeast student of any major with a minimum grade point average requirement of 3.0 and to incoming freshmen as well with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Applicants must submit an essay explaining how they have enhanced the LGBT community, as a member or an ally, at Southeast or at their high school for incoming freshmen. The essays will then be evaluated by the director of Campus Life and Events Services who will then select the recipient.

For more information or to donate to the scholarship, contact the University Foundation at semo.edu/foundation or Maddock at Nicholas.Maddock@capitalone.com.