The GALA Leadership Award, presented by Emory's LGBT alumni group, will be increased to $4,000 in 2014, according to Michael Shutt, assistant dean for Campus Life and director of the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Life.

Alumni, parents, faculty and staff have stepped up to support the increase from $2,500 of the GALA Award.

The award is given annually to an undergraduate student who demonstrates a positive impact on the campus environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities.  It provides a stipend for a student's academic-related expenses at Emory.  

Students are eligible to apply if they are undergraduates in good standing and will be enrolled in the 2014-2015 academic year.

Both experienced and emerging leaders are encouraged to apply, says Sharon Semmens, chair of the Emory GALA selection committee. Applications are accepted until Dec. 13.  

The scholarship is awarded at the annual Pride Awards held each year in March.  

Emory has been nationally recognized for establishing a supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, including being honored as one of Campus Pride’s 2012 Top 25 LGBT-friendly colleges and universities and most recently, the 2013 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award.