School of Communication, Journalism, and Media Scholarships

This award was established by Ashleigh V. Laabs, ’07 alumna, to support an undergraduate participating in an internship within the College of the Arts and Media.

Ashleigh Laabs is founder and chief growth officer of A. Victoria MAE, a fractional marketing company.

Award qualifications:

• The recipient must be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior full time.
• Preference will be given to a student enrolled in the Integrative Public Relations or Media Arts programs.
• Preference will also be given to those who demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit, as defined by their participation in extracurricular activities associated with entrepreneurialism, marketing, public relations, media, and the arts.

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This scholarship was established in 2008 by James J. '83 and Kallie Bila '85 Michels. James (Jim) and Kallie wish to assist students studying Journalism, Media Arts or Integrative Public Relations in broadening their experiences and knowledge through internship or professional development opportunities. Recipients must be majoring in Journalism, Media Arts or Integrative Public Relations. The scholarship will support their pursuit of an internship or other professional development opportunities including, but not limited to, conferences, seminars, workshops, competitions, etc.

Award qualifications:

• Must be majoring in Journalism, Media Arts, or Integrative Public Relations
• Must be pursuing an internship or other professional development opportunity including, but not limited to, conferences, seminars, workshops, competitions, etc.

Award qualifications:

• Journalism major
• At least two semesters of work at CM Life and/or college newspaper as a transfer student
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Demonstrates financial need
• Renewable, but student must reapply

Established in 2023 by Craig '73 and Susan '73 Stults Korthase. Craig and Susan met at CMU and left as lifetime partners. They believe that the strong foundation of educational excellence and community involvement they gained at CMU has enabled them to enjoy exciting, fulfilling, global careers. Craig and Susan recognize that a vital society depends on education and knowledge, including awareness of world events and diverse communities. They feel it is an honor to support those who share these same aspirations.

Award qualifications:

Established in 2006 by David and Kathleen Ling, family and friends. David is a retired professor of the Communication program who has established the scholarship to be awarded to a full-time student who shows special merit in debate and is involved in the debate program at CMU. The award is to be administered by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid in consultation with the Dean of the College of the Arts and Media and the Director of Forensics.

These generous awards are offered to communication students who are active and successful participants in CMU's debate program. These scholarships, which are not based on need, are paid per year over four years. Recipients must maintain a 2.5 grade point average and satisfy the forensics competition requirements outlined by the coaching staff.

Award qualifications:

• Sophomore or higher
• Journalism major
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Demonstrate financial need

The Diane S. Krider PRSSA Chapter Young Professional Award is a non-need-based award designed to encourage professionalism through continued engagement with PRSSA and involvement in professional networking and learning opportunities.

In order to qualify for the award, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a signed Integrative Public Relations major.
• Be pursuing a career in public relations.
• Be a minimum of a junior (must be a senior by the fall of the award year).
• Have a grade of C or better in each course in the major including electives and a minimum 3.0 GPA overall in the major.
• Be a member of PRSSA for at least two semesters prior to receiving the award (current semester can be counted).
• Be a full-time student during at least one semester of the award year (December graduates are eligible).
• Be actively engaged in professional activities.

Award qualifications:

• News/editorial student Journalism major
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Demonstrate financial need

This scholarship was established in 2024 in memory of Elliott Parker by his daughter, Alexandra Parker, and his wife, Emelia Parker. Elliott spent 31 years teaching in the journalism department at CMU, culminating in his induction into the Hall of Fame in 2011. He was known as the father of Photojournalism at CMU and also pioneered the use of technology in Journalism. He was an avid traveler, particularly to Southeast Asia, where he served both in the Peace Corps and as a Fulbright Scholar. It was once said that he did more in one phase of his life than most could hope to do in a lifetime. Elliott passed away in 2024. Alexandra shares the following message with future recipients: Please use your scholarship to better yourself, better the world around you, and make memories you'll never forget! This scholarship will support Undergraduate recipients pursuing, or interested in pursuing, a major in Photojournalism or Journalism, or a minor in Journalism. Recipients must have a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to recipients pursuing, or interested in pursuing, a major in Photojournalism. Special consideration may be given to students interested in traveling abroad, either with a Study Abroad program or as related to their career goals of documenting the world through photojournalism.

Award qualifications:

• Qualified recipients must be pursuing, or interested in pursuing, a major in Photojournalism or Journalism, or a minor in Journalism.
• Preference given to recipients pursuing, or interested in pursuing, a major in Photojournalism.
• Qualified recipients must be Undergraduate students.
• Qualified recipients must have a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Qualified recipients must demonstrate financial need.
• Special consideration may be given to students interested in traveling abroad, either with a Study Abroad program or as related to their career goals of documenting the world through photojournalism.
• Part-time attendance or withdrawal from the University will result in the cancellation of the scholarship. Recipients in their final semester of study who require less than twelve (12) credit hours to graduate are eligible to receive this award despite their part-time enrollment status.
• In the event that any college, department, degree or program stipulated or identified by name herein should undergo a future name change (due to structural, institutional, societal, or other evolutions), donor intent will be honored through or with the college, department, degree or program that most closely aligns with the aforementioned stipulation or identification.

Established by Emily & Jason Dizik both ’08 Media Arts alums.

Award qualifications:

• Signed Media Arts Major who demonstrates a financial need.
• Must have your FAFSA for next year filed by April 1.
• Preference will be given to those who demonstrate an interest in sports broadcasting.
• Application essay must show an interest in sports broadcasting.

Established in 1980 by the estate of Eugene C. Chenoweth, income from which is to be used as an award for undergraduates who shall exhibit excellence in intercollegiate debate competition. The award is to be administered by the Director of Debate and Area Coordinator of the Communication Program.

Established by Media Arts Alumnus Eduardo Fernandez in memory of his parents.

Award qualifications:

• Signed Media Arts Major
• GPA: Media Arts 3.0 and Overall 2.5
• Must be active in a Media Arts co-curricular activity.
• Preference will be given to a student working toward the advancement of minorities in broadcasting.
• Application essay must have career goals that encourage diversity in the media.

Award qualifications:

• Signed Journalism major/minor on file
• Full-time student status
• Journalism GPA of at least 3.0
• Previous recipients may apply
• A one-page essay explaining how the student has demonstrated merit and financial need

This scholarship was established in 2022 by Brianne Frucci-Tucker '04 and Patrick Tucker '05. Brianne and Patrick met at CMU in the fall of 2002. They have long had the goal of funding a scholarship at their alma mater because their decision to go to CMU paved the way for what their lives would become. In addition, Brianne was able to pay 100% of her tuition and fees through earned scholarships, including multiple awards funded by alumni. They are thrilled to be able to help future students in the same way. This non-renewable scholarship will support undergraduates who demonstrate financial need, have a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 and are pursuing a degree in Broadcast and Cinematic Arts, Journalism, Communications, or Integrated Public Relations. Preference will be given to applicants involved in both college-specific organizations, as well as other on-campus organizations.

Award qualifications:

• Qualified recipients must be pursuing a degree in Media Arts, Journalism, Communications, or Integrated Public Relations.
• Qualified recipients must be undergraduates.
• Qualified recipients must have a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Qualified recipients must demonstrate financial need.
• Preference given to app

Tony Cervone was named senior vice president, Global Communications, in May 2014. As GM’s top communications executive, he is responsible for the company’s overall global communications strategy, including the GM Foundation and corporate giving activities.

Prior to his current position, Cervone served as executive vice president of Group Communications for Volkswagen Group of America. He also was senior vice president and chief communications officer for United Airlines. Cervone was previously at GM from 1999 to 2009 in various executive roles. He began his career at Chrysler Group and DaimlerChrysler AG.

Cervone earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University where he majored in Journalism. He is a member of the Arthur Page Society, the Public Relations Society of America and The Seminar. He is a board member of The LaGrant Foundation and Detroit Children’s Fund.

Award qualifications:

• Journalism, Media Arts, or Integrative Public Relations major
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Demonstrate financial need

Award qualifications:

• Major in news/editorial Journalism
• Preference for those working at CM Life or Grand Central Magazine
• Interested in pursuing a career in Journalism
• Minimum 2.5 overall GPA

Award qualifications:

• Confirmation application intends to pursue a career in Journalism and/or Media Arts
• Signed major/minor in Journalism or Media Arts
• Full-time student status
• Financial need is a major, but not an exclusive, consideration
• One-page essay explaining how the student has demonstrated merit and financial need

Established in 1982 for three students chosen as the best speaker in the annual Gilbert Rau Oratory Contest.

Established in 1955 by Karen Heydenburg and Dennis Curry in memory of their parents, with a preference for junior or senior communication majors with a 3.0 or better GPA and an emphasis in oratory/debate or speech education and participation in debate, oratory or other forensic activities.

The Integrative Public Relations Alumni Award was created by 2002 IPR alumna Anne Gaertner and is funded by campaign contributions from IPR alumni and friends. The non-need-based award will provide assistance to attend the National PRSSA conference.

The award provided to each recipient is to be used toward conference fees and related travel.

Award qualifications:

• Must be a signed IPR major.
• Must have an interest in a pursuing a career in public relations.
• Must have a cumulative and major GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Preference is given to members of PRSSA/PR Central who show leadership in the organization or to students who show leadership in public relations activities in the university and community.

Award qualifications:

• Signed Photojournalism major on file
• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• Demonstrate financial need
• Michigan resident
• Preference will be given to a student who is a single parent
• The award may be renewable through the completion of a degree as long as the student remains full-time
• One-page essay explaining how the student has demonstrated merit with an emphasis on financial need
• Renewable, but student must reapply

Award qualifications:

• Signed Journalism major, enrolled in courses focused on writing, Journalism or Photojournalism
• Public Relations majors are not eligible to receive this award

Funds associated with this award may be used for:

• Travel costs associated with a departmentally-approved internship based outside of the mid-Michigan region. Internships may be domestic or international in nature.
• Travel costs associated with a curriculum-based study abroad program focused on writing, Journalism or Photojournalism. Qualifying study abroad programs will be approved and managed by the Office of Study Abroad.
• Travel costs associated with a departmentally-approved independent study project focusing on writing, Journalism or Photojournalism.
• Funds associated with this award MAY NOT be used to support travel to any conference, convention or meeting.

Renewable up to 3 years after initial award, but student must reapply and meet criteria

Award qualifications:

• Journalism major
• GPA of at least 2.75
• Recipient must be participating in an approved student media program or pre-professional organization including, but not limited to: PRSSA, PR Central, CM LIFE, Grand Central Magazine, Ad Club, etc.
• One-page essay of merit based on the criteria of the scholarship
• Renewable, but student must reapply

Award qualifications:

• Signed Journalism major form must be on file
• Student's overall GPA and Journalism GPA will be strong considerations
• Full-time student status
• Previous recipients may apply
• A one-page essay explaining how the student has demonstrated scholarly achievement

Award qualifications:

• Signed major on file
• Financial need
• Full-time student status

Named in Memory of Kelly Fitzpatrick (Journalism major) and Bruce Wood (Media Arts major) who were engaged to be married and tragically killed in a car accident shortly after graduation from CMU.

Award qualifications:

• Signed Media Arts Major
• GPA: Media Arts 3.0 and Overall 2.5
• Must be active in a Media Arts co-curriculars
• Application essay must include an outline of your career goal
  

Award qualifications:

• Journalism student
• CM Life or Grand Central Magazine staff photographer or other suitable media outlets
• Interest in a visual media related internship
• Junior or senior
• Minimum GPA of 2.75
• Renewable, but student must reapply

Established in 1989 by family and friends in memory of Kenneth W. And Margaret Cuff Saunders.

Award qualifications:

Established in 2004 by Lawrence E. Abbott '55. The income from the endowment will support a renewable award for a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in the College of the Arts and Media and majoring in speech. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need and maintain an overall GPA of 3.0.

Award qualifications:

• Signed Journalism major on file
• Leadership in/out of Journalism Program including groups, events, volunteerism, associations
• Full-time student status
• Experience with leadership at CM Life and/or Grand Central Magazine or similar field of study
• A one-page essay explaining how the student has demonstrated leadership

Award qualifications:

• Journalism student
• Student must demonstrate the need for financial support for travel to conferences, internships and/or study abroad
• One-page essay expressing need based on the criteria

This scholarship was established in 2007 by Matt Mooney.
The scholarship was created and named to honor Nancy Buerkel-Rothfuss, a professor from Central
Michigan University who made a profound impact personally and academically on Matt. Nancy was a
professor at CMU from 1980 until her retirement in 2015. She also authored and co-authored several
books on communication. Matt earned a B.A.A. in Organizational Communication and Human Sexuality
followed by an M.A. in Interpersonal Communication from Central Michigan University. This renewable
scholarship will support undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a degree and/or majoring in
Communications who have a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need.

Award qualifications:

• Qualified recipients must be pursuing a degree and/or majoring in Communications.
  
• Qualified recipients must have a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  
• Qualified recipients must demonstrate financial need.
  
• Qualified recipients may be either an Undergraduate or Graduate student

The scholarship may be renewed up to two times following the initial award, up to 3 times total.

This scholarship was established in 2025 by Colleen Newvine '92. Colleen graduated with her bachelor's degree in journalism from CMU. She got her first story assignment at CM Life before she attended her first class. Her journalism education and four years at CM Life have informed her entire career. She has been a reporter and editor of daily, weekly and monthly publications, before moving into marketing and public relations. She earned her MBA at the University of Michigan and joined the Associated Press in a marketing and strategy role. She was inducted into the CMU Journalism Hall of Fame in recognition of the strength of her work as product manager of the AP Stylebook. She is also a trained, experienced and certified coach. Her book, "Your Mini Sabbatical" was published in 2024. This scholarship will support Undergraduate students pursuing, or interested in pursuing, a major or minor in communication or journalism. Preference will be given to a student writer for CM Life (or its future equivalent) or to a student interested in working for CM Life, with special consideration given to a first-generation college student.

Award qualifications:

• Qualified recipients must be pursuing, or interested in pursuing, a major or minor in communication or journalism.
• Qualified recipients must be Undergraduate students.
• Preference given to a student writer for CM Life (or its future equivalent) or to a student interested in working for CM Life.
• Special consideration may be given to a first-generation college student.
• Part-timeattendance or withdrawal from the University will result in the cancellation of the scholarship. Recipients in their final semester of study who require less than twelve (12) credit hours to graduate are eligible to receive this award despite their part-time enrollment status.
• In the event that any college, department, degree or program stipulated or identified by name herein should undergo a future name change (due to structural, institutional, societal, or other evolutions), donor intent will be honored through or with the college, department, degree or program that most closely aligns with the aforementioned stipulation or identification.

This scholarship was established in 2024 by Sarah '81 and Daniel Opperman. Sarah joined The Dow Chemical Company's public affairs office right after graduation and served the company for more than 28 years before retiring in 2009 as vice president of Global Government Affairs and Public Policy. Daniel was an attorney for 25 years prior to being named a judge and currently serves as Chief Judge for the Eastern District Bankruptcy Court. The Oppermans have donated to CMU projects including the development of the College of Medicine's Student Resource Library, the Opperman Public Relations Internship Endowment, the Sarah and Daniel Opperman Auditorium within the Park Library and the Leadership Institute that now bears Sarah's name.

Award qualifications:

This scholarship is nonrenewable.

Award qualifications:

• Signed Journalism major on file
• Must currently be junior or senior and enrolled full-time in each semester to be eligible
• A one-page essay explaining how the student has demonstrated merit

Award qualifications:

• Signed Journalism major
• At least two semesters of significant contribution as a writer or editor at CM Life
• Intention to pursue a career focused on writing (not photography, design or broadcast)
• Avid reader of the news media
• Non-smoker and non-user of tobacco products
• Demonstrate curiosity about how things work
• Demonstrate tough fairness and fair toughness
• Demonstrate tenacity to do what's right, not what's easy
• Demonstrate clear writing that cuts through the clutter and gets to the meat of an issue
• Demonstrate not only high journalistic standards, but also serve as a role model and/or mentor for other Journalism students
• One-page essay demonstrating above
• Minimum 3.0 overall GPA and 3.3 JRN GPA

The Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation offers four scholarships to Media Arts students in the name of Peter B. Orlik, founder and former director of the Media Arts program.

Award qualifications:

• Signed Media Arts Major, Cinema Arts Major, or Minor (including Cinema Studies)
• Active in a Media Arts co-curricular activity
• Minimum Media Arts GPA of 2.5 and an overall GPA of 2.5

You must be enrolled in Fall and Spring to be awarded the scholarship. Please include a resume and a professional-looking headshot with your application.

Award qualifications:

• Confirmation the applicant intends to pursue a career in Journalism and/or Broadcasting
• Signed major/minor in Journalism
• Financial need; FAFSA form must be on file with the Financial Aid Office
• Full-time student status as a senior
• Journalism GPA at least 3.2
• One-page essay demonstrating merit and financial need

Award qualifications:

• Journalism major or minor
• Junior/senior status with demonstrated financial need
• Preference given to a student who is first in their family to attend college
• Preference given to student who has been involved in/demonstrated leadership in a student media or pre-professional organization
• GPA of at least 2.75
• One-page essay should address the importance of the news media in an era of "fake news" and citizen journalists

Ruth Stevens ’80 and her husband, Steve Latus, have established the Ruth Anne Stevens and Stephen P. Latus Endowed Internship Program to assist Central Michigan University students interested in a career in a media-related field to participate in a university-sanctioned internship program. Ruth, who spent 38 years working in higher education public relations, credits Central Michigan University with providing her valuable collegiate experiences and preparing her for this profession. Specifically, the internship she completed in CMU’s public relations office directly led to her first job after college in higher education public relations – and several rewarding subsequent positions in the field. Ruth and Steve understand that internships often offer no or little pay. They intend for this gift to provide one-time awards to help students defray expenses associated with internship participation.

Established by Media Arts alumni in memory of Susan Rozman Delia, Media Arts Alumna, the first woman Vice President of ABC & ESPN.

Award qualifications:

• Signed Media Arts Major with preference given to Junior or Senior status
• GPA: Media Arts 3.2 and Overall 3.0
• Must demonstrate leadership ability in Media Arts co-curriculars
• Application essay must include plans for an internship and interest in pursuing an electronic media career

Award qualifications:

• Intends to pursue a career in Journalism
• Signed Journalism major/minor
• Full-time student status
• Journalism GPA of 3.0
• Renewable but student must reapply

Named in honor of Media Arts Alumnus Tim Roberts by the County Music Broadcasters.

Award qualifications:

• Signed Media Arts Major of Junior or Senior status
• GPA: Media Arts 3.0 and Overall 2.75
• Preference given to involvement at WMHW-FM or other radio activities
• Application essay must include interest in a career in radio (any format)

Established by Media Arts Alumnus Gary Lico in memory of his parents, Tom & Audrey Lico.

Award qualifications:

• Signed Media Arts Major who demonstrates a financial need
• Must have your FAFSA for next year filed by April 1
• Preference will be given to applicants with an interested in media management
• Application essay must include interest in media leadership

Established in 1989 in memory of Wilbur E. Moore, founder of what are now known as the Summer Remedial Clinics and the university's first vice president for academic affairs, for a junior who is enrolled as a major in one of four departments: Communication, Communication Disorders, Media Arts or Theatre and Dance.