In memory of Orlando Ware

Preference for this $1,000 scholarship will be given to someone who is an activist for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender (GLBT) community and is enrolled in the NC State College of Management’s degree programs in accounting.

The scholarship has been established in memory of Ebarb’s friend Orlando Ware, in celebration of his life and the impact he had on Ebarb’s life. Ware died from a brain aneurysm on October 28, 2001, at the age of 33. He had a degree in accounting from Louisiana State University and was a practicing accountant.

Ebarb, who met Ware at a difficult time in his life, said, “He became my mentor and partner, and changed my outlook on life. I want to give back by helping another person who aspires to receive a degree in accounting.”

The Orlando Ware Memorial Scholarship candidates must show good academic standing, with a grade point average of 3.0 and must be making progress toward their degree. This scholarship is needs based; candidates must demonstrate a need for funds to meet their necessary college expenses and must show that they advocate for or contribute to the LGBT community at NC State University.

Candidates also must show through their actions that they value tolerance, compassion and respect for all people in their communities.

“These are the values that Orlando passed along to me,” Ebarb said. “I met him while I was completing drug rehab, and credit him with enabling me to turn my life around.” Ebarb went on to complete medical assistant studies but has chosen to work as a dog groomer instead, because he discovered that he enjoys working with animals. “I was invited by an acquaintance to join a dog grooming business, and found that I really liked it,” he said.

“Among other personal values, Orlando didn’t believe in judging people or holding grudges,” Ebarb said. “He helped me learn that it was better to give than to receive, how to take responsibility for my faults, and how to take all the bad things and make them a positive. He also taught me to never hold back on my dreams just because they seem farfetched or unattainable,” he said.

“I learned from him that even ifl don’t achieve what I’m after, it’s the ride that counts. My strength is not measured in how much I accomplish but in the fact that I tried. That’s all anyone can do. Through this scholarship, I hope to help at least one other person who is working toward his or her goal. "

Daniel Ebarb is originally from Shreveport, La., as was Orlando Ware.

Written by: Anna Rzewnicki 3/3/2010