An endowed scholarship has been established in memory of Marilyn Horace-Moore, a prominent member of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology, at Eastern Michigan University. Horace-Moore taught at EMU from 1994 until her untimely passing in April 2020.

The funds will provide a $400 scholarship to a deserving EMU student every year. Horace-Moore was passionate about helping students complete their degree to achieve a profession in law enforcement or another area of criminal justice, despite financial hardship. 

“I think that so many times we have students who get close to finishing their program or term and encounter financial difficulties, which can be very disheartening,“ Dr. Denise Reiling, a professor of sociology at EMU and the chairman of the committee for the scholarship said. "Having an additional $400 truly can make [a] difference and determine whether or not a student finishes their degree.”

Horace-Moore had an accomplished career in higher education at EMU, spanning over 25 years. She regularly taught courses in criminal justice and policing within the university’s criminology and criminal justice program, but was perhaps best known for her mentoring of students in her roles as academic advisor for the entire Criminology and Criminal Justice program (approximately 600 students) and as coordinator of the criminology internship program. 

Prior to joining the faculty at EMU, Horace-Moore lead a trailblazing career in law enforcement. She was the first Black female police officer to serve undercover for the Ypsilanti Police Department and the Michigan State Police, where she was assigned to the Drug Enforcement Unit. She was the first Black woman to attain the rank of lieutenant in the Ypsilanti Police Department, serving from 1973-1994. She brought her experience within policing into the classroom, which broadened students' education in a valuable, authentic manner. 

“I hope that when people and students read about her and her career, they’re inspired and understand the legacy that she left,” Reiling said. “She was a phenomenal woman and role model. Not just for students, but for everyone.”

It is required that the applicant:

•  have a declared major in Criminology and Criminal Justice (CRM)

•  be enrolled for the Fall term of the award year

•  have achieved a minimum of 60 credit hours (with no maximum) at the time of scholarship application

This scholarship will not require a minimum GPA, though most scholarships do. Horace-Moore often stated that the GPA was not the best indicator of intellect, drive, integrity, or potential, and certainly not one's value as a human being. She knew the struggle and was willing to acknowledge it in the life of others.

Applicants will be required to write an essay to be considered for the scholarship. Preference will be given to applicants who articulate in their essay how the scholarship will enable the recipient to pursue a career in law enforcement, although applicants considering other careers in criminal justice are also eligible. Applicants who articulate in their essay how the scholarship will address a specific financial need will also be given preference.

All application materials must be submitted to the head of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, & Criminology (SAC), by Feb. 15, of the academic year. The scholarship will be awarded no later than April 15, to be applied to the recipient's EMU student account.

The scholarship fund has been made entirely through crowdfunding and individual donations. The original goal of $10,000 was reached in just a little more than 48 hours after the university crowdfunding page was created. Since the goals was surpassed the goal was raised to $15,000. As donations continue to pour in, the objective has been raised to the current goal of $20,000. 

To make a donation towards the Marilyn-Horace Moore Scholarship, click here.

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