SCHOLARSHIPS

Complete details on the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Foundation's Communication and Journalism scholarships can be found here.

Fall 2008 Department of Communication and Journalism Scholarships.

Award recipients are expected to be present at the Department of Communication and Journalism Student Excellence Recognition Reception held the last day of spring semester classes.

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation Walter Jay and Clara Charlotte Damm Scholarship
This $3,500 scholarship is available to full-time continuing student(s) pursuing a career in radio, television, or other news and entertainment communication media.  Selection is based on demonstrated financial need and scholastic ability.  All other criteria being met, preference will be given to students who have a current relationship (e.g., relative of active or retired, full or part-time employees) with Journal Communications, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries.

Applications available from the Department of Communication and Journalism office, HHH 152.  Applications and supporting materials are due in the CJ office by 4:00 p.m. on October 3, 2008.

Complete information and application procedure found here. Application.

Spring 2008 Department of Communication and Journalism Scholarships

Applications available from the Department of Communication and Journalism, Hibbard Hall 152, are due on April 7, 2008. Scholarship availability is contingent upon funding and subject to change. Award recipients are expected to be present at the Department of Communication and Journalism Student Excellence Recognition Reception on May 9, 2008, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Tamarack Room, Davies Center.

Marshall B. Atkinson Journalism Scholarship (One: $500)
For a continuing junior or senior with demonstrated interest in print journalism.  This scholarship is funded and awarded by the Eau Claire Press Company in memory of Marshall B. Atkinson. Marshall B. Atkinson began his career with the Eau Claire Leader in 1885. He served as president of the resultant Eau Claire Press Company and as editor until his death in 1941. Application.

Conner Spectator Excellence and Promise Award (One: $250)
The recipient of this award is a continuing Spectator staff member with at least one semester of experience and returning to UW-Eau Claire in the fall. Students don't apply for this award. A recipient is selected by the editors in chief of the fall and spring semester and the Spectator adviser. Special consideration will be given to younger staff members showing promise and commitment to future work on the paper. Spectator alumni established the Gerald Conner Award for Spectator Excellence in January 2001.  Gerald Conner was an assistant professor of journalism and adviser and consultant to The Spectator from 1981 to 2000.  This scholarship recognizes Conner’s dedication to the school newspaper and its staff. Like Conner, this scholarship offers a helping hand to young journalism students. This scholarship will be awarded to up-and-coming students who show great potential and a desire to work on the paper in the future. The award is in recognition of excellence at The Spectator. Application.

Ann Devroy Fellowship (One: $1,400, residency and internship)
Recipient must show exceptional promise and ability as a journalist including demonstrated interest in and aptitude for a reporting career. Outstanding contributions to The Spectator, a commitment to high standards in reporting and financial need are also requirements. The Ann Devroy Fund has been established at the UW-Eau Claire Foundation to recognize the outstanding journalistic work of Ann Devroy, Class of 1970, and to encourage and assist journalism students to emulate her professional achievements. Read more here. Application and cover sheet.

Excellence in Communication Award (One: $100)
For a continuing Communication or Mass Communication major with an emphasis in Organizational Communication, Public Communication or Public Relations.  Applicant must have 12 completed CJ credits and minimum major GPA of 3.2 at the time of application. Student should be able to demonstrate excellence in oral, written and/or visual communication skills.  Student must show proof of active involvement in UW-Eau Claire communication or mass communication related student organization (e.g., CJO, IABC, PRSSA, SHRM, SOPC, SRI, TV-10, WUEC-FM, etc.) and/or employment and/or an internship in a communication or mass communication related field (e.g. WEAU-TV, WQOW-TV, Post House, WPR, Luther-Midelfort, United Way, etc.) at the time of application.  First awarded in Spring 2000, The Excellence in Communication Scholarship was initiated through the fundraising efforts of the student organization, CJO, Communication and Journalism Organization under the direction of the adviser, Dr. Judy Sims.

James E. Fields Journalism Scholarship (One: $400)
For a continuing Broadcast Journalism, Print Journalism or Mass Communication-Advertising major with financial need and future promise in their respective field. Preference given to nontraditional students such as a single parent who seeks an education to improve their situation. Criteria to be considered for the award include GPA, extracurricular activities, and financial need. This scholarship is personally endowed by Dr. James E. Fields, an award-winning writer with decades of experience as a reporter, photographer and editor.  He served as chair of the Department of Journalism from 1984 to 1992 and continues his writing career at home in Knoxville, Tenn.  Application.

Joanne Friedrick Print Journalism Scholarship (One: $545)
For a continuing junior or senior who has demonstrated excellence in print journalism and made major contributions to the success of a campus publication and demonstrated achievement in the classroom with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship was created by Joanne Friedrick, a 1978 UW-Eau Claire Department of Journalism graduate who was editor of The Periscope and member of The Spectator staff.  Application.

Joseph Giordano Memorial Scholarship (One: $100)
For a continuing junior or senior Mass Communication – Public Relations major with a demonstrated interest in diversity and an appreciation for differences shown in completed coursework in cultural diversity courses; demonstrated excellence in public speaking, shown in CJ 202, 304 grades; member of the Forensics team, etc.; successful completion of at least one internship; and total GPA of 3.34 or higher at time of nomination. A recipient is selected by the faculty of the Department of Communication and Journalism. Dr. Joseph Giordano, Associate Professor, Department of Communication and Journalism and Honorary Blugold Alumni joined the UW-Eau Claire faculty in 1989 and taught courses in public relations and speech until his death in 2001. He was an active researcher on public relations, communication and organizational culture, organizational identification, and communication and technology. Application.

William S. Cody Hall Memorial Scholarship (Variable: $1,500)
For a continuing junior or senior communication major or minor active in public speaking, oral persuasion and preparing for a career in teaching speech/communication/forensics/debate; or law school. GPA 3.0 minimum requirement. Applications and full details available from the Director of Forensics.

William Randolph Hearst Journalism Scholarship (variable: $600)
Grants from the Hearst Journalism Awards Program are made to the Department of Communication and Journalism for each student entry in monthly writing, photojournalism, radio broadcast, television broadcast or multimedia competitions.  The grants are funded by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation.  Awarded to continuing journalism majors who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in writing, photo, and broadcast or multimedia journalism.The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, founded in 1960, is conducted in the public interest, to provide support, encouragement, and assistance to journalism education at the university level.  Information about the William Randolph Hearst Foundation-Journalism Awards Program at www.hearstawards.org.  Application.

Lee and Esther Sanford Hench Memorial Scholarship (Two: $600)
For a continuing junior or senior Journalism or Mass Communication major who exhibits scholastic performance and commitment to their profession balanced by financial need.  Professor Lee O. Hench was a member of the UW-Eau Claire faculty from 1949 to 1964 and is credited with a significant role in developing the undergraduate journalism program.  In 1984, he established this scholarship in memory of his wife.  In 1991, UW-Eau Claire alumni and students of Professor Hench collaborated with his family to include Lee Hench in the scholarship name. Application.

Catherine and Greg Leaf Public Relations Scholarship (One: $500)
For a continuing sophomore or junior mass communication-public relations major.  Criteria includes a minimum total 2.75 GPA and demonstrated financial need.  Commitment to the study of and participation in the field of public relations demonstrated by maintaining a high GPA, showing leadership in student organizations, e.g. PRSSA Chapter, IABC Chapter, CJO, Ad Federation Chapter, participating in public relations-related special projects for campus and/or community organizations and serious pursuit of internship opportunities. 
Greg and Cathy Leaf are distinguished professionals in the public relations field who formed and own and operate Group Leaf, LLC, one the area’s rapidly growing PR firms.  Mr. Leaf serves on the CJ Advisory Board. Application.

Henry Lippold Fellowship (One: $1,000 and internship)
The fellowship is awarded to a continuing sophomore or junior with a major or minor in Broadcast Journalism.Candidates must have demonstrated a commitment to the broadcast news field.  This fellowship consists of the scholarship funds and three weeks mentoring/shadowing in the news department of KSTP-TV in Minneapolis-St. Paul during winter break. Professor Henry Lippold established the broadcast journalism sequence at UW-Eau Claire. His life and career represent the classic bridge between academic and the broadcast industry. He taught broadcast journalism at UW-Eau Claire from 1972 to 2001. Lippold received a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master's in journalism from Northwestern University. In June 2002, he was inducted into the Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Application.

Arthur L. Murray Memorial Journalism Award (variable: $1,800)
The Arthur L. Murray Memorial Journalism Award recipients are selected upon the recommendation of Department of Communication and Journalism faculty. Continuing students who have given meritorious service to one or more of the University publications will be the primary basis for choosing the recipients of this award.  This service may be in reporting, copy writing, layout, editing, artwork, photography, or any related function to a University publication: The View, University Bulletin, Summer Bulletin, The Spectator, Flip Side, NOTA as well as meritorious service of a student for a University web publication. Professor Arthur L. Murray was a UW-Eau Claire faculty member from 1918 to 1943.  He started The Spectator in 1923.  For 25 years he served as faculty adviser to both The Spectator and the student yearbook, The Periscope. Application.

Outstanding Journalism Recognition Scholarship (One: $350)
The Outstanding Journalism Recognition Scholarship recipient is selected upon the recommendation of Department of Communication and Journalism faculty.  The award is to recognize a continuing outstanding journalism student. Application.

Leslie D. Polk Scholarship (Two: $300)
For a continuing junior liberal arts major who has demonstrated service and leadership to the campus and community, cultural interests, and shows promise as a future community leader.  The student should have a broad interest in the liberal arts.  Preference will be given to Communication and Journalism majors.
This scholarship memorializes Professor Leslie Davis Polk, 1929-1990, a nationally known educator, who taught editing, magazine layout and design, critical writing, minority journalism and other courses for 18 years at UW-Eau Claire.  Mr. Polk was a patron of the arts, enjoying good music, good literature and quality theatrical productions. Application.

Kevin J. Schieffer Scholarship (One: $100)
For a continuing junior or senior Communication and Journalism student with a demonstrated interest and involvement in international communication, relations, and travel abroad.  Applicants should give evidence of being effective communicators.  This scholarship was created by UW-Eau Claire journalism classmates of Mr. Schieffer after his death to respect and honor his interest in international affairs and love of writing.  Application.

Cindy Schott Humanitarian Award (One: $200)
For a continuing junior or senior journalism major whose performance has exemplified excellence and compassion.  This memorial award is to encourage and recognize the qualities of responsibility, honesty and the exercise of personal conscience in journalism. After her untimely death in 1991, the family of Cindy L. Schott established this memorial scholarship to encourage other journalists to emulate their daughter’s commitment to caring, responsible communications about and concern for the people and communities she served.  Hired by WEAU-TV in 1985, Ms. Schott believed in using the power of the media to educate, promote positive action and interact with the community - always with a conscience. Application.

Robert M Smith Excellence in Graphics Award (One: $100)
A competition for full time, continuing junior or senior Communication and Journalism students designed to encourage creativity and innovation in graphic design for media – including all advertising, information, and communication media.  A student may have more than one entry.  Entries must have been produced within the current school year or no earlier than June 1 prior to the opening of the academic year. Assistant Professor Robert M. Smith joined the UW-Eau Claire journalism faculty in 1967 as a graphic arts specialist.  He was instrumental in the development of photography and typography courses and in the planning of the Hibbard Hall classroom facilities for these instructional areas.  He died suddenly in the fall of 1974.  In May 1975, the Robert M. Smith Graphics Laboratory in HHH 104 was dedicated. Application.

Grace M. Walsh Scholarship (variable: variable)
Awards given to outstanding Forensics students. Grace Walsh taught speech and coached forensics at UW-Eau Claire for 36 years.  As a professor and director of forensics, she coached 25 state oratory champions and six national champions before retiring in 1980. She also coached 11 Wisconsin forensics champions, and no other state team beat UW-Eau Claire while the team was under her supervision. She was also the co-founder of the speech department and served as its chair for some time. Grace also played a key role in developing many of the events and activities that are now standard conventions of the competitive speech world.  For more than 50 years, forensicators at Eau Claire have strived to live up to the standard of excellence Grace established. Applications and full details available with the Director of Forensics.

Sally A. Webb Diversity Tuition Scholarship in Organizational Communication (One: $500)
For a continuing junior or senior whose academic performance exemplifies excellence.  Applicants must have a minimum resident and major GPA of 3.0.  First preference will be given to a student of color (African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, or Asian American), or a student with documented disabilities who is an Organizational Communication major.  Second, given to a student of color or a student with documented disabilities pursuing another Department major. Dr. Sally Webb began her teaching career at the Wisconsin State University-Eau Claire on September 1, 1965. She was the recipient of an Excellence in Teaching Award in 1992 and the first Student Senate Advisor of the Year Award in 1998, as well as other awards. Dr. Webb officially retired from teaching in 2002, but not from her commitment to faculty and students at UW-Eau Claire.  Her fundraising work, which began in 2005 for the UW-Eau Claire Foundation, helps to create new and enhance existing scholarships for the deserving UW-Eau Claire student. Application.

Sally A. Webb International Student Tuition Scholarship (One: $500)
For a continuing junior or senior international student seeking a degree at UW-Eau Claire and whose academic performance exemplifies excellence.  Applicants must have a minimum resident and major GPA of 3.0.  First preference will be given to an international student who is an Organizational Communication major.  Second given to an international student pursuing another Department major. Dr. Sally Webb began her teaching career at the Wisconsin State University-Eau Claire on September 1, 1965. She was the recipient of an Excellence in Teaching Award in 1992 and the first Student Senate Advisor of the Year Award in 1998, as well as other awards. Dr. Webb officially retired from teaching in 2002, but not from her commitment to faculty and students at UW-Eau Claire.  Her fundraising work, which began in 2005 for the UW-Eau Claire Foundation, helps to create new and enhance existing scholarships for the deserving UW-Eau Claire student. Application.

Sally A. Webb Organizational Communication Tuition Scholarship (One: $1,000)
For a continuing junior or senior who is Communication-Organizational major and whose academic performance exemplifies excellence.  Applicants must have a minimum resident and major GPA of 3.2. Dr. Sally Webb began her teaching career at the Wisconsin State University-Eau Claire on September 1, 1965. She was the recipient of an Excellence in Teaching Award in 1992 and the first Student Senate Advisor of the Year Award in 1998, as well as other awards. Dr. Webb officially retired from teaching in 2002, but not from her commitment to faculty and students at UW-Eau Claire.  Her fundraising work, which began in 2005 for the UW-Eau Claire Foundation, helps to create new and enhance existing scholarships for the deserving UW-Eau Claire student. Application.

Sally A. Webb Tuition Scholarship for Study Abroad for an Organizational Communication Student (One: $500)
For a continuing sophomore, junior or senior whose academic performance exemplifies excellence.  Applicants must have a minimum resident and major GPA of 3.0.  First preference will be given to a student who is an Organizatioanal Communication major.  Second preference will be given to a student pursuing another Department major.  Applicants must have made a serious application to a UW-Eau Claire Study Abroad Program.  Scholarship award is contingent upon acceptance to study abroad in 2008-2009. Dr. Sally Webb began her teaching career at the Wisconsin State University-Eau Claire on September 1, 1965. She was the recipient of an Excellence in Teaching Award in 1992 and the first Student Senate Advisor of the Year Award in 1998, as well as other awards. Dr. Webb officially retired from teaching in 2002, but not from her commitment to faculty and students at UW-Eau Claire.  Her fundraising work, which began in 2005 for the UW-Eau Claire Foundation, helps to create new and enhance existing scholarships for the deserving UW-Eau Claire student. Application.

Donald L. and Geraldine T. Wolfarth Scholarship (variable: $2,000)
Applicants must be continuing sophomores, juniors or seniors majoring in Organizational or Public Communication who have actively participated in programs, activities and work related to the communication field, and demonstrated excellence in public speaking.  Financial need is not a consideration for selection.  Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.25. Donald L. Wolfarth held a teaching position in the Speech Department at UW-Eau Claire from 1967 until his retirement in 1988.  He was active as a judge in the various high school and college debate and forensics events held at UW-Eau Claire.  Before his UW-Eau Claire teaching position, he studied with the American Institute of Parliamentarians, being first accredited as a Certified Parliamentarian and then, at the highest rank, a Certified Professional Parliamentarian. In 1969, he created the parliamentary procedure course previously offered in that department with his great expertise in this area.  Professor Wolfarth’s department chair said of him:  “Don was outstanding as a scholar, teacher and colleague.  But he was extraordinary as a friend.” Application.

Dr. Alan Zimmerman Scholarship (Two: $750)
Two scholarships awarded annually. One schloarship is for an outstanding student majoring in communication, with a specific focus on interpersonal communication.  Recipient must be enrolled full-time for at least one semester during the next academic year when the scholarship is received. Applicants must be a declared public communication major, have 12 credits of completed CJ courses at the time of application, and minimum 3.2 GPA. Preference will be given to a student who plans on teaching interpersonal communication or pursuing a career as a public speaker. The second scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding UW-Eau Claire student, regardless of major, who is planning on a career in Christian ministry, Christian outreach and/or Christian media work.  The recipient must be enrolled full-time for at least one semester during the academic year the scholarship is received. Preference will be given to a student actively involved in Student Impact/Campus Crusade for Christ, InterVarsity, the Navigators or Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  Recipient must have an earned GPA of at least 3.0. Application for this scholarship available from the Department of Philosophy and Religious studies, HHH 632.  Dr. Alan Zimmerman graduated with summa cum laude honors from UW-Eau Claire with a Bachelor of Arts in speech communication and political science in 1970.  He went on to obtain his master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, taught at the university level for 15 years, and was awarded the “Outstanding Faculty Member” by two different universities.  In 1985 he opened his own training, speaking, and consulting company.  He is president of the Zimmerman Communi-Care Network, Inc.  Read more at www.DrZimmeran.com. Application.

2008 Spring Scholarships for Spectator Excellence

Chippewa Valley Newspaper Les Polk Copy Editing Scholarship $500 This scholarship is designated for a continuing Spectator staff member who has demonstrated excellence in copy editing and has made major contributions to the success of The Spectator. The recipient of this award must return to The Spectator in the fall. This award is funded by Chippewa Valley Newspapers, Mark Baker, publisher. This scholarship memorializes Professor Leslie Davis Polk, 1929-1990, a nationally known educator, who taught editing, magazine layout and design, critical writing, minority journalism and other courses for 18 years at UW-Eau Claire.  Mr. Polk was a patron of the arts, enjoying good music, good literature and quality theatrical productions. Application.

David Gordon Reporter Scholarship  $300
This scholarship is designated for a continuing Spectator reporting and/or photography staff member who has demonstrated excellence in reporting and has made major contributions of time and effort to the editorial success of The Spectator.  The recipient of this award must return to The Spectator staff in the fall.  This award was established in honor of Dr. David Gordon, professor and chair of the Department of Communication and Journalism from 1997 to 2002, particularly for his efforts in establishing close ties between the Department and the Wisconsin Newspaper Association and his success in working with The Washington Post to establish the Ann Devroy Fellowship and the Ann Devroy Memorial Forum. Application.

Bill Haupt Advertising Management or Business Management or Editor Scholarship   $300
This scholarship is designated either for a continuing Spectator advertising or business management staff member or a staffer who has carried “editor” in his/her job title.  The recipient’s performance should demonstrate excellence and dedication and the recipient must have made major contributions to the success of The Spectator.  The award is to recognize and encourage the qualities of ambition, leadership, and professionalism.  The recipient of this award must return to The Spectator in the fall. This award honors Mr. Bill Haupt, a UW-Eau Claire journalism graduate, former editor and publisher of the Lodi Enterprise, and the originator and driving force behind the establishment and implementation of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association’s “Partner” Program.  A letter of gratitude addressed to Mr. Bill Haupt should be submitted directly to the Department of Communication and Journalism academic department associate.  It is expected that the recipient of this award attend the annual Ann Devroy Forum in late April and the Department of Communication and Journalism Student Excellence Recognition Reception held the last day of spring classes. Application.

Henry Lippold Freelance Writing Scholarship  $250
This scholarship is designated for a non-staff writer who has demonstrated excellence in freelance reporting and has made major contributions of time and effort to the editorial success of The Spectator.  The recipient of the award must continue to work for The Spectator in the fall. Professor Henry Lippold established the broadcast journalism sequence at UW-Eau Claire. His life and career represent the classic bridge between academics and the broadcast industry. He taught broadcast journalism at UW-Eau Claire from 1972 to 2001. Lippold received a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin- Madison and a master's in journalism from Northwestern University. In June 2002, he was inducted into the Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame.  Application.

Wil Pautz Photography or Graphic Design Scholarship  $250
This scholarship is for a continuing Spectator staff member who has demonstrated excellence in photography or graphics design and has made major contributions to the visual success of The Spectator.  The recipient of this award must return to The Spectator staff in the fall. This award honors Wil Pautz, who became a faculty member at Eau Claire State Teachers College in 1963 and remained on the faculty until 1994.  He received the first established UW-Eau Claire Outstanding Teacher Award and was active in study abroad programs. Application.

Wallace Weil Advertising $250
This scholarship is designated for a continuing advertising employee of The Spectator whose performance has exemplified excellence and dedication.  This award is to encourage and recognize the qualities of ambition, creativity, and professionalism.  The recipient of this award must return to The Spectator advertising staff in the fall. This award was established in honor of Dr. Wallace Weil, professor and chair at UW-Eau Claire School of Business for 17 years between 1971 and 2002, and 2002 Chippewa Valley Entrepreneur of the Year. This scholarship is for a continuing advertising or business management Spectator staff member whose performance has exemplified excellence and dedication. Application.