Department of Journalism Scholarships

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, Broadcast & Cinematic Arts or Integrative Public Relations in broadening their experiences and knowledge through internship opportunities.

Studying Journalism, Broadcast and Cinematic Arts or Integrative Public Relations

Must be enrolled in an internship course

Apply Online

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

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

Journalism major

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

Sophomore or higher

Minimum GPA of 3.0

Demonstrate financial need

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

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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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.

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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

Confirmation application intends to pursue a career in Journalism and/or Broadcasting

Signed major/minor in Journalism or Broadcasting

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

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

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

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

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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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

Confirmation the applicant intends to pursue a career in Public Relations

Public Relations student participating in an unpaid or underpaid Public Relations internship

The internship must either be a graduation requirement for the recipient or the recipient must be returning to academic studies at CMU after completing the internship

Journalism or Integrative Public Relations major

GPA of at least 3.0

One-page essay of merit based on the criteria of the scholarship

News/editorial student Journalism major

Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

Demonstrate financial need

Signed major on file

Financial need

Full-time student status

Photojournalism major

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

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