Foundation Scholarships

Leaf, Greg and Catherine Public Relations

For a continuing sophomore or junior with a declared mass communication-public relations emphasis major and a minimum total 2.75 GPA. The CJ Scholarship Committee will evaluate candidates on demonstrated financial need and commitment to the study of and participation in the field of public relations. Such commitment can be 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

Application forms are available in the Department of Communication and Journalism office.

A committee of the Department of Communication and Journalism faculty will select the recipient.

The recipient will be sent a notification letter by the Chair of the Department of Communication and Journalism. The Chair will complete and submit a “Scholarship Award Form” to the Financial Aid Office.

A letter of gratitude addressed to Greg and Catherine Leaf should be submitted directly to the Department of Communication and Journalism Department program assistant. The winner of this award is expected to attend the Department of Communication and Journalism Student Excellence Recognition Reception held the last day of spring classes. Greg and Cathy Leaf are distinguished professionals in the public relations field who own and operate Group Leaf, LLC, one of the area’s rapidly growing public relations firm. They formed Group Leaf in 2003. Greg is a 1980 graduate of the Department of Communication and Journalism and member of the department’s Advisory Board since 1998. He has more than 25 years experience in public relations, advertising, and the media. Greg has worked in prominent agencies in Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Chicago, including serving as president of Miller Meester Advertising, formerly one the largest agencies in the Twin Cities. Greg has been a member of the Public Relations Society of America since 1980, earning his accreditation in 1985. Catherine Larson Leaf has a wide range of account management and production experiences gained at major agencies in the Twin Cities, including Colle + McVoy. Significant client experience includes work with Pfizer, Purina, Cargill, and Novartis. She has an agricultural degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Cathy and Greg have a son, Jackson. Greg has two other sons, Brandon and Hunter.