SCHOLARSHIPS
Walter M. Decker
1941 – 2004
“A lot of (gay and lesbian) people who are in their late 50s or 60s had traumatic experiences personally. As they were growing up, the world was a different place, with very few roles models or support systems. There is a very direct connection for (these) people to give back to young people today so that they can have more resources and support.”
— Nancy Cunningham, executive director of Funders for Lesbian and Gay Issues in New York City.
The Walter M. Decker Point Scholarship
To honor his legacy of academic and philanthropic excellence, Point Foundation has created the Walter M. Decker Point Scholarship to support annually, an outstanding student.
Dr. Decker, an accomplished radiologist, was a fine example of an individual who lived simply, but wanted others to benefit from his success. He was compelled and inspired by the example of Point Scholars who, in the face of discrimination, have had the courage to honestly present themselves to the world. Until late in his life, Dr. Decker did not feel he had the freedom to do the same. In supporting Point Foundation, he felt strongly that he could help young people overcome the prejudice and discrimination that he feared at the same age in his life. In his experience, education was transformative, and he believed that his support of Point Foundation would help improve the lives of others by providing access to education and other opportunities.