Matthew Shepard – 1976-1998
Mother of hate-crime victim Matthew Shepard to speak April 19
Judy Shepard, whose 21-year-old son was murdered in a brutal hate crime in Wyoming in 1998, will discuss "The Legacy of Matthew Shepard" in a 7 p.m. lecture Wednesday, April 19, in Brady Educational Center auditorium.
Her talk is sponsored by the Allies club, the University Lectures Committee and St. Thomas Activities and Recreation.
University of St. Thomas faculty, staff and students may pick up one free ticket with their St. Thomas ID beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, April 10, at the Box Office and Expeditions, lower level, Murray-Herrick Campus Center. Any remaining tickets will be available to the general public on a space-available basis (limit of two tickets) starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, in the Box Office. Box Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In an attack fueled by anti-gay hatred, Matthew Shepard's skull was smashed and he was lashed to a fence outside of Laramie, Wyo., in near-freezing temperatures. He died five days later. Two 21-year-old men were convicted of the murder and are serving life terms.
His death moved thousands of people to attend vigils and rallies in his honor. Judy Shepard now speaks throughout the country about hate crimes and what can be done to make schools and communities safer.
Judy and her husband, Dennis, established the Matthew Shepard Foundation to carry on their son's legacy.
All proceeds from her speaking engagements support the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
