Congratulations to WGSS Professor Andrea Friedman - 2012 James M. Holobaugh Award Recipient

James Holobaugh (BS Engineering 1990) was a student at Washington University in Saint Louis and a cadet in the U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). Holobaugh was a leader in the program and was held out as a model cadet by the military when it used him in a national advertising campaign for ROTC.  However, Holobaugh was removed from the program and ordered to repay his ROTC scholarship after coming out to ROTC leadership. Holobaugh was represented by the American Civil Liberties Union in his effort to remain in the ROTC program and receive his commission as an officer. Under pressure from the U.S. Congress, campus groups, LGBT rights organizations, and an impassioned response from Washington University in St. Louis the Army reversed its decision on the repayment of the scholarship but not on Holobaugh’s commission as an officer. James Holobaugh went on to travel across the country engaging university groups on ROTC policy, service and citizenship.

Any member or organization of the Washington University community and/or Saint Louis community, past or current, is eligible to receive the award. This includes undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni/ae, retirees, friends of the University, and community members.  Self-nominations are also permitted.

AWARD CRITERIA: 

• Live and lead with integrity
• Engage diverse communities on issues relevant to the LGBTA community
• Perform direct advocacy and service to the Washington University and Saint Louis LGBTA community
• Incorporate education and dialogue as part of their practice