Department of Communication Scholarships

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.

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 married after Patrick graduated in 2005 and ultimately ended up in Grand Rapids, MI. 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.

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

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.

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.

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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, Broadcast and Cinematic Arts or Theatre and Dance.

Established in 2006 by David and Kathleen Ling, family and friends. David is a retired professor of the Department of Communication 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.

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 Chairperson of the Department of Communication.

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.