LAX's Knowles a Recipient of Inaugural George Floyd Scholarship

NEW LONDON, Conn. – Desmond Knowles, a senior on the Mitchell College men's lacrosse team, was one of four students who was recently awarded the inaugural George Floyd Scholarship, recognizing their leadership ability and desire to effect social change.

The students – all juniors or seniors studying in the Human Services core, with concentrations in criminal process and behavioral sciences/psychology – received $2,500 each for the 2020-21 academic year. Recipients also included Emil Cortorreal of New London, Conn.; Dylan Radovich of Groton, Conn.; and Stephanie Zavala of Norwalk, Conn.

"Mitchell College celebrates diversity, fosters inclusion and promotes empathy. The George Floyd Scholarship aligns with these values, awarding these students for contributing to this culture on campus and aspiring to connect with their communities in an impactful way in their lives after college," said Dr. Tracy Y. Espy, Mitchell College president.

Nominated by Mitchell faculty in the Human Services core for their positive contributions in the classroom, the four student recipients model Mitchell's values by their desire to support, serve, protect and help others to build stronger communities and effect social change.

Knowles seeks to change the U.S. criminal justice system that deals with racial and minority justice. He said, "When I graduate from Mitchell, I would like to serve the community by raising awareness and creating a network to help promote and solve this racial and minority justice issue."

Knowles is entering his third and final season with the Mariners after transferring into the program for his sophomore season. Last year he led the team in both ground balls and turnovers before COVID-19 shortened the season. Earlier this week he was named team captain for the 2021 campaign.

The scholarship was established in memory of George Floyd, who died during an arrest by Minneapolis police, sparking protests in this nation and around the world. Mitchell College Trustee Peggy Flood initiated the scholarship, with support from Trustee Luci Arango. The scholarship provides financial support to junior or senior students of color in the Human Services core whose work in the classroom suggests they will continue to effect change in their community. Students are awarded the scholarship through faculty nominations.