The Matthew Shepard Scholarship was created in 1998 by 18 individuals from Weber State University and the surrounding community. Prominent members including: Arthur Aldermann, professor of arts; Dr. Richard Beatch, professor of philosophy; Dr. Lyal Crawford, professor of communications; Sally Farrar, from the Diversity Center; Kat Frith, from the diversity center; Dr. David Greene, Dean of Education; Dr. Nancy Haanstad, professor of political science; Carol Hansen, professor of library science, from the Stewart Library; Gavin Harper, adjunct professor of English; Shauna Heslop, secretary; Roxanne Hinds, Director of annual funds; Cedric Howard, from the Diversity Center; Matthew Jackson; Willis McCree, from the Diversity Center; Adele Smith, Ogden City Council Chairwoman; Bob Smith; Dr. Sarah Tinkler, professor of economics; Dr. Michael Wutz, professor of English; and Terri Sloyer, from the Diversity Center. The scholarship was created in response to the murder of Matthew Shepard from the University of Wyoming, who was harassed and murdered because of his sexual identification as gay. The scholarship was created by Arthur Aldermann and the other original committee members to acknowledge the academic achievements of sexual minority students, along with promoting Weber State as a safe environment for sexual and gender minority students, faculty, and staff. The scholarship requires students to maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA. The recipient is chosen by a committee comprised of WSU faculty, staff, students, and other community members.