Shepard's presentation will be on September 13, from 4-6 p.m., in the Kirkhof Center, Grand River Room, on the Allendale Campus. The event is free and open to the public.
Judy and her husband Dennis were living in Saudi Arabia in 1998 when they received news that Matthew, then a student at the University of Wyoming, was severely beaten in an anti-gay attack. He died several days later. The incident focused the country's attention on the growing epidemic of hate crimes; and in December 1998, Judy and Dennis established the Matthew Shepard Foundation to work toward gay and lesbian equality and support diversity education programs. Shepard serves as executive director of the foundation.
In 1999, Shepard testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act. She has appeared in numerous public service announcements and is an active member of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).
Sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Professionals of Color Lecture Series will next feature Jehmu Greene, national director of Project Vote, on September 20. For more information, call (616) 331-2177.
