Expanding the Legacy As We Observe Another Milestone
Kevin Sutherland took this picture of the Washington Monument on the 4th of July, 2011. He loved fireworks and he loved celebrating Independence Day. He loved Washington, D.C. - his adopted home - and he loved photographing it’s iconic monuments and architecture. It is truly ironic that he was taken from us in D.C. on another anniversary of our nation’s birth, just four years later.
Click here to help us extend his legacy!
On this 4th of July, we observed another sad milestone. It’s hard to believe, but it has been nine years since Kevin’s tragic passing. For his family and friends, the pain of our loss is still deeply felt. We miss his kind and caring nature and that big grin of his. He had prepared himself to do great things - to have a positive impact on the world. Kevin’s career was just starting. He had such a bright future ahead of him - so much that he wanted to accomplish. And because his life was interrupted, those of us he left behind have dedicated ourselves to carrying on his legacy - working to accomplish some of the things he never got to do. And that is what the KJS Legacy Project (KJSLP) is all about.
Since launching our foundation in 2021, with the help of many of you, we have supported the American University Kevin Joseph Sutherland Scholarship Fund, the American University Kevin Sutherland Internship Fund, and we have established the Trumbull High School Kevin Sutherland Memorial Scholarship. And next year, we plan to launch support for the American University Public Affairs and Policy Lab that funds students to carry out summer research projects with a faculty member. All of these initiatives are aimed at supporting future leaders who are pursuing careers in government, politics, and public service with an eye towards focusing on students who could not otherwise afford to experience these opportunities. In this way, we are carrying out Kevin’s desire to level the playing field and promote a democracy that draws its leadership from all walks of life and from diverse backgrounds.
To date, the KJSLP has helped to fund five scholarships in the AU School of Public Affairs, four internships on Capitol Hill, and two high school scholarships. This year, we seek to expand Kevin’s legacy with the goal of making our impact even greater through increased endowments at AU and by funding an endowment for the Trumbull High School Scholarship. Toward that end, we are launching the Summer 2024 KJSLP Outreach. During the months of July, August and September, we have set a goal of raising $5,000 to support our various programs.
In talking with our scholarship recipients, it is clear that we are making a real impact on their career trajectory. Kevin’s life-story is a powerful example that these students relate to and use as a guide as they make decisions along the way in their life’s journey. With your continued support, we will continue to expand that impact and encourage more students to follow in Kevin’s footsteps seeking to create that more perfect Union our founders sought to create! Click here to make a donation or continue below to see what our recipients are saying.
You can go to kjslegacyproject.org to learn more or go straight to the donation page by clicking here.