Department of Journalism Scholarships
The Department of Journalism has scholarships and award opportunities for you to assist with expenses.
Departmental awards and honors
Friends of Journalism
Signed 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
Journalism Scholar of the Year
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
Leadership Award
Signed Journalism major on file
Leadership in/out of Department of Journalism 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
Outstanding Junior or Senior
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
Scholarships and endowment criteria
Bila-Michels Scholarship
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
Jennifer H. Bourque Memorial Award
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
Clarke Endowed Student Journalist Scholarship
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
Matt Dobek Endowment, up to four awards
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
Dennis L. Durkee Endowed Award in Journalism
Sophomore or higher
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Demonstrate financial need
Jerry Fitzhenry Scholarship
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
Frucci Tucker Scholarship
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.
General Motors Scholarship in Honor of Tony Cervone
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.
Pam Klein Scholarship
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
Gilbert O. Maienknecht Scholarship, two awards
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
George and Vivian Malewska Scholarship
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
Ron Marmarelli Scholarship
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
Robert E. McCabe Scholarship, two awards
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
Stevens/Latus Internship Program
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.
Suzanne Nichols Endowed Scholarship
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
Opperman Public Relations Internship Endowment
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
Dr. Michael J. Petrick Journalism Scholarship, two awards
News/editorial student Journalism major
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
Demonstrate financial need
Serrin Memorial Scholarship, three awards
Signed major on file
Financial need
Full-time student status
Ken Stevens Memorial Endowed Photojournalism Internship Scholarship
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
Jim and Carol Wojcik Endowed Scholarship
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
Interested students must submit:
- A completed application form:
- Names and contact information from three references
- Your official or unofficial CMU transcript
- Your current resume
Important Notes:
- Students must be enrolled full-time in each semester to be eligible.
- Students may apply for - and receive - more than one scholarship and/or award
- Unless otherwise indicated in the specific scholarship criteria, JOURNALISM MAJOR includes all department majors (journalism; advertising; photojournalism; journalism-PR concentration). MINOR refers to a journalism minor.
- The scholarship committee includes: Lori Brost, Elina Erzikova, Steve Coon, Jeff Sauger, Mike Marn, Jinhee Lee and Zulfia Zaher