Integrative Public Relations Scholarships
The IPR program has scholarships and award opportunities for you to attend conferences and assist with internship expenses.
A. Victoria Endowed Internship Award
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 Broadcast and Cinematic 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.
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.
Diane S. Krider PRSSA Chapter Young Professional Award
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:
1. Be a signed IPR major.
2. Be pursuing a career in public relations.
3. Be a minimum of a junior (must be a senior by the fall of the award year).
4. 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.
5. Be a member of PRSSA for at least two semesters prior to receiving the award (current semester can be counted).
6. Be a full-time student during at least one semester of the award year (December graduates are eligible).
7. Be actively engaged in professional activities.
Each year the award recipients are honored during the CMU PRSSA spring banquet.
The award is announced in Spring semester.
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.
Award qualifications:
1. Signed major in JRN, BCA or IPR
2. Demonstrates financial need
3. Min cumulative GPA of 3.0
Integrative Public Relations Alumni Award
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:
1. Must be a signed IPR major.
2. Must have an interest in a pursuing a career in public relations.
3. Must have a cumulative and major GPA of 3.0 or higher.
4. 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.
Each year the award recipients are honored during the CMU PRSSA spring banquet.
The award is announced in Spring semester.
Morris Family CMU Endowed Scholarship
Established in 2009 by Laurie and Michael J. Morris, '80, '93. Income from the endowment will equally support three awards for students enrolled in the College of Business Administration, College of Communication and Fine Arts and for students enrolled in a masters program with Global Campus Programs.
Award qualifications:
1. On-campus students must have successfully maintained a 3.2 GPA.
2. Documentation will need to be provided to support a GPA of 3.2 was achieved in high school if an incoming freshman is an applicant.
3. The recipient of the Global Campus scholarship must be pursuing a master's degree and must have received an undergraduate degree from CMU.
4. It is the intent of the Morris family that this scholarship not apply solely to the financially disadvantaged as defined by Federal and/or State of Michigan guidelines.
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.
