Outstanding Student Wins Scholarship for Social Activism

Every year, the College of Arts and Sciences presents the Evans-Strand Diversity Scholarship during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration to a student who is active in promoting a peaceful environment and social justice on campus.

This year, the award went to Alli Sheppard, a senior communication student and avid advocate of equality, activism and civil engagement. She believes in MLK's famous quote: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter" and her outgoing and motivating attitude are proof that she wants all voices heard.

"I believe it is about celebrating the individual. There are few things as powerful as empowering somebody else, through changing minds or presenting a different point of view," Alli said. "Plus, you learn about yourself in the process."

Not one to waste time, Alli became president of the Resident Hall Association after her first semester at EMU. Even though she said she was nervous to interact with student leaders and University administrators while being a newcomer at Eastern, the experience gave her the momentum to continue her work.

She became a resident advisor in the residence halls, an EMU student ambassador, representing the student body at official University events, and joined Delta Zeta Sorority.

Alli's activities run the gamut from promoting an inclusive environment for members of the GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) community, to fostering inclusive communities through workshops with Metro Detroit High School students, as part of the Michigan Round Table for Diversity and Inclusion.

"We bring together high school students from diverse backgrounds through events, workshops and during our annual camp," said Alli. "We show them the value of cross-cultural relationships and empower them to bring that knowledge back into their communities."

Alli credits her grandfather as being the impetus behind her social activism.

"He used to be a social worker for middle schools in my home town. Every year, he would bring students to our cottage up north," Alli said. "They may not have been the top students, but they were always the most deserving. Even though he died when I was only in the third grade, he helped me see first-hand the change you can make by caring. He showed me that compassion is the most important thing you can give to another person."

"Receiving this award shows me that the University shares my values and cares about diversity, equality and empowerment, as much as I do," said Alli, whose ultimate goal is to parlay her activism into a career right here at EMU. "My ultimate goal is to become EMU's vice president for student affairs."

Throughout all of her accomplishments, Alli remains grounded, making it clear, while recognition is nice, the work itself is her biggest motivator.

And so it makes sense that Alli was not able to accept the award at the MLK Jr. Day President's Luncheon in person, because she was a featured speaker at a similar celebration at the Detroit Medical Center Children's Hospital.

"It was a great honor to receive this award," Alli said about receiving the endowed scholarship. "But it was an even greater honor to spend the day celebrating with children, the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr."