Harding University announced yesterday that it has established the Botham Jean Memorial Scholarship Fund, in partnership with the consulting firm PwC.
Jean, a 2016 graduate of Harding who worked for PwC in Dallas, was fatally shot in September of last year in his own home by a police officer. Jean was watching football in his apartment when former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger, who had just finished her shift, entered his apartment and shot him. She says that she entered the apartment by mistake, believing that she was entering her own apartment, which was in the same complex. Guyger was indicted on murder charges in November.
From the Harding press release on the scholarship in Jean’s honor:
Full-time students enrolled at Harding who show excellent academic performance, leadership, diligence, demonstrated capability and financial need are eligible recipients. Preference will be given to students from the Caribbean.
Harding University president Dr. Bruce McLarty issued the following statement:
The tragic death of Botham Jean has been the most defining event of this school year. He was so widely known and deeply loved that the announcement that he had been killed profoundly shook our entire campus. Since the moment we received the tragic news, there has been a strong desire across the University to honor Botham. A memorial scholarship in Botham’s honor is a perfect example of good coming from something evil and hope emerging from deep loss.
A representative from Jean’s family issued the following statement:
During Botham’s short life, he was vociferous in community outreach in his native country of St. Lucia. He led several mission teams from Harding University to visit poor and vulnerable institutions and communities in St. Lucia. This scholarship is created by his family and is aimed at honoring his life and enhancing his legacy to even greater heights.
More on Jean from the Harding press release:
Jean came to the University from the Caribbean nation of St. Lucia. During his time as a student, he was a member of Good News Singers, a resident assistant, an intern for the Rock House campus ministry, and a leader in Sub T-16 men’s social club. Jean frequently led worship for chapel and other campus events and was most known for his charismatic and powerful song leading.