Scholarship & Award Recipients

Scholarships

Samuel L. Adams Emerging Voices in Journalism Scholarship

Theodore Alford Scholarship

This scholarship honors Alford, who attended the first journalism classes at KU and was Washington bureau chief for The Kansas City Star from 1928 to 1947.

David H. Anderson Memorial Scholarship 

This scholarship honors this graduate of the School of Journalism and School of Law who was an attorney in Frankfort, Kansas. Students from Midwestern states receive preference for the scholarship.

Drew Anderson Inspiration Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Drew’s parents, Wendee and Kent Anderson. Drew was born in 1989 and had muscular dystrophy since childhood. He graduated from Piper High School in 2007 and from the School of Journalism in 2011. Drew was copy chief for The University Daily Kansan and an intern for the Lawrence Journal-World. Drew used a motorized scooter and inspired people with his sense of humor, independent spirit and wisdom beyond his years. Drew was a die-hard KU sports fan. The scholarship is for students who inspire their peers by overcoming obstacles and demonstrating passion for their work.

Stanalene S. and William A. Anderson Journalism Scholarship

This scholarship was given by Michael S. Anderson of New York City in memory of his mother and brother. Stanalene Anderson was a reporter and editor for The Topeka Capital-Journal for 33 years. An award-winning journalist, she was noted for her coverage of health and mental health news. She survived breast cancer at age 43 and raised two sons alone. William Anderson died at age 18.

Lorrimer Armstrong Family Scholarship 

This scholarship was established by Catherine Armstrong to honor her family. Armstrong, a 1921 graduate, and her daughter, Margaret D’Ardenne, a 1958 graduate, both studied journalism.

William F. Baker School of Journalism Scholarship

This scholarship was created by Pamela Baker Sear to honor her husband, William F. Baker, the publisher and owner of BankNews Publications Inc., a banking industry media company that published banking magazines, association magazines, bank directories and newsletters. The scholarship is given to a student studying strategic communication.

William W. Baker Scholarship 

This scholarship honors a former editor and president of The Kansas City Star who also taught journalism at the School. The scholarship is awarded to undergraduates in news and information.

Mabel McLaughlin Beck Scholarship

This scholarship is given to women students in journalism. Beck, a 1904 graduate, was a noted newspaperwoman, past president of the KU Alumni Association and director of the KU Endowment Association. Her husband published The Holton Recorder.

Stephanie K. Blackwood Scholarship

This scholarship honors this 1974 graduate who launched three successful New York-based marketing agencies and spent her life working for causes and ideas she believes in, including supporting the LGBTQ community. The scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates civic or community engagement.

Elaine Blaylock Journalism Scholarship Fund

This scholarship honors a 1952 graduate of the School who also received a master’s degree in journalism in 1964. She had an interest in languages and foreign affairs.

Lucile Bluford Scholarship

This scholarship honors the longtime editor and publisher of The Kansas City Call and an honored graduate of the school.

Bracco Scholarship

This scholarship was established for students who demonstrate academic merit.  Brian Bracco, a 1973 graduate, had a distinguished career as a news and broadcast executive for the Hearst and Scripps companies.  Sarah graduated in 1974 in art education.

Howard S. Bressler Scholarship

This scholarship honors a 1995 graduate who was responsible for marketing for a restaurant chain. The scholarship is given to a student studying strategic communication.

Ann M. Brill and Larry J. Schmitz Journalism Scholarship

This scholarship was established for students with academic merit. Preference is for students studying abroad.

Dean Del Brinkman Journalism Scholarship

This scholarship was created by friends, family, colleagues and former students to honor this former dean of the School. Brinkman joined the J-School faculty in 1970. He served as University Daily Kansan adviser and acting dean before being named dean in 1975. In 1986, he was named KU vice chancellor of academic affairs. The scholarship is for a student with an interest in broadcast and digital investigative journalism. 

Joan Marie Butler Scholarship

This scholarship in advertising was given by Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Butler of Wichita in memory of their daughter, a 1987 graduate of the School and advertising professional in Kansas City. Mr. Butler and Chris Butler, Joan’s brother, are graduates of the School.

John Lee Casady Scholarship

This scholarship was created in memory of this 1968 graduate by his mother, Dorothy Glover.

Ceder Family Scholarship

This scholarship was established for a student with academic merit from the state of Kansas.

Basil T. Church Scholarship

This scholarship honors a 1920 graduate who was president of a Chicago newspaper promotion firm. He also led the committee that built Memorial Stadium.

Catherine Clymer Scholarship

This scholarship was established by David Clymer, of El Dorado, Kansas, who created the scholarship in memory of his sister, who had a distinguished career in broadcasting in California.

Rolla Clymer Scholarship

This scholarship honors the longtime editor of The El Dorado Times and one of the founders of the William Allen White Foundation. His son David created the scholarship.

Cynthia Bregin Crouch Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2011 for a student studying broadcast journalism. It was founded by Crouch, a 1987 graduate and Emmy Award-winning television journalist.

Tom and Jeannie Eblen in Honor of the Glorious Red Pen Scholarship

This scholarship honors the former general manager and news adviser of The University Daily Kansan and his wife. It is given to students studying multimedia journalism.

Lynne Meyer Egan Scholarship

This scholarship was established by John J. Egan, a 1986 graduate of the school. He created the scholarship in honor of his mother, a 1963 graduate of the School of Education. The scholarship is awarded to a student with a demonstrated interest in environmental issues.

Fred Ellsworth Scholarship

This scholarship honors the longtime executive secretary of the KU Alumni Association. The scholarship recognizes seniors who have demonstrated high achievement in journalism.

Frazier-Leech Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2007 by Steve Frazier and Liz Leech, who met at The University Daily Kansan and have been married since 1988. Steve graduated from KU in 1978 and was an editor for the Kansan. He was a reporter and foreign correspondent for the Wall Street Journal and later earned an MBA at Northwestern University and now works for Amazon.com. Liz graduated from KU in 1977 and was a reporter and editor for the Kansan. She worked for the Hutchinson News and was Kansas Statehouse bureau chief for United Press International and the Kansas City Times. The scholarship is in gratitude for the coaching and encouragement they received from journalism faculty members.

Bill Fromm Scholarship

This scholarship was created by Barkley Evergreen & Partners employees to honor the chairman and founder of the agency, one of the largest in Kansas City. The firm, now named Barkley, is a major employer of interns and graduates of the School. 

Ralph and Martha Gage Scholarship

This scholarship was established by The World Company. Ralph Gage graduated from the School in 1964. Martha Gage earned a master’s and Ph.D. in education curriculum and instruction from KU. After a 43-year career at The World Company, Ralph Gage retired in 2013, having held titles of managing editor, general manager and chief operating officer. This scholarship is for upperclass or graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence.

Malcolm and Joyce Gibson Study Abroad Scholarship

Giles Family Scholarship

This scholarship is given by Malcolm D. Gibson, retired general manager of The University Daily Kansan and former professor, and his wife, Joyce L. Gibson. Malcolm Gibson worked for several news organizations, including The Associated Press, The Miami Herald and The New York Times Co.

Byron and Eulalia T. Guise Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes students in news and public-interest journalism who are from smaller towns in Kansas. Byron Guise was inducted into the Kansas Newspaper Hall of Fame in 1993. The couple owned and operated The Marysville Advocate.

Jan M. Guth Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was created by Professor David W. Guth and daughter, Susan E. Novotney, to honor Mrs. Guth, who graduated from KU with an economics degree and was a software engineer in Kansas City for over 15 years. She died in March 2007. The scholarship is for a student in strategic communication or a multicultural student.

Alan Hagman Scholarship

This scholarship honors the life and career of Alan Hagman, a 1988 graduate. Hagman was the chief photographer for The University Daily Kansan and turned a summer internship with the Los Angeles Times into a celebrated 32-year career with the paper as a photographer and photo editor. He won multiple prestigious awards throughout his career including the 1998 Associated Press photo of the year award, the 2004 Angus McDougall Excellence in photo editing award, an Emmy in 2010, two team Pulitzers (2004 and 2016), multiple Picture of the Year International awards (POYi) and NPPA awards and the 2019 Robert F. Kennedy Humanitarian award for international photojournalism. This scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior focused on a career in news photojournalism and visual storytelling.

Tom Hansen Scholarship for Influential Writing

This scholarship honors this 1978 graduate of the School who was nationally respected in the field of strategic marketing. The scholarship was created by family and friends to honor his belief in the power of the written word. Preference is given to students who exhibit exceptional writing skills to create positive outcomes within their studies, research or projects.

Ward Harkavy Journalism Scholarship

This scholarship honors this 1970 KU graduate who worked at the Phoenix New Times and The Village Voice. The scholarship was created by family to honor Harkavy, an editor who “was always looking for the truth.” The scholarship is for students with academic merit.

Hearst Journalism Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was created from matching grants won by journalism students in the William Randolph Hearst Foundation writing competitions.

Tom Hedrick Scholarship

This scholarship in sports broadcasting is given by Terry K. and Sandy Shockley and their children, Toni and Todd Shockley. The scholarship honors the longtime broadcaster and KU educator who specialized in sports broadcasting. Terry Shockley was president and part owner of a chain of Wisconsin TV and radio stations. He earned his master’s degree at KU. Toni and Todd Shockley also are KU graduates.

Gladys Helzberg Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was given by the Kansas City Chapter of Women in Communications Inc. for a female journalism student.

Frederick Hesser Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was given by the late Dr. and Mrs. H.H. Hesser of Overland Park. Their son, Frederick, was a student in broadcasting when he died in 1975.

Kristin L. Hoppa Journalism Scholarship

This scholarship honors this 2009 graduate of the school who was the public safety reporter for the Waco Tribune-Herald. She died unexpectedly in 2020. The scholarship is for a student from Kansas with interest in news and/or investigative reporting.

Charlotte Kirk Howard Scholarship

This scholarship is for undergraduate students with academic merit. It was created by Charlotte and Jeff Howard. Charlotte is a 1977 graduate of the School of Journalism.

Ed and Zora Belle Hundley Scholarship

This scholarship is given to a senior or graduate student who has helped a community see itself as it is and as it aspires to be.  The Hundleys owned and operated radio stations in Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas.  They received the Grover C. Cobb Award from KU in 1985 for excellence in broadcasting and public service. In 1989, Ed received the Distinguished Service Award from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters.  The scholarship is given with gratitude for those who worked with Ed and Zora Belle for the betterment of their communities.

Ruth Hunt Scholarship

This scholarship was created by this 1910 graduate. She was a high school journalism teacher for 38 years, 32 of them at Topeka High School. She also was a close friend of Professor L.N. Flint, the Flint of Stauffer-Flint Hall, who taught at KU for 40 years.

Adelaide Dick Imes Scholarship

This scholarship was created by Adelaide Imes in her will to assist journalism students.

George Cameron Jewell Scholarship

This scholarship honors a newsman who worked for Gannett newspapers for 30 years and The Kansas City Star for two years. The scholarship was created by his daughters, Nancie Dalke and Linda Sullivan, who remember Mr. Jewell’s passion for the printed word.

Dorothy H. Johnson Memorial Scholarship in Journalism

This scholarship is awarded to multicultural students from Kansas City area counties who have a high level of academic achievement.

William and Fran O'Brien Johnson Scholarship

This scholarship honors the couple, who are KU graduates. William Johnson, a 1962 graduate of the School of Journalism, was CEO of Grolier Publishing Co. and had an 18-year career with Fingerhut Direct Marketing, where he served as president, chairman and CEO. Fran O’Brien Johnson, a 1963 graduate of the School of Education, tutored children with learning disabilities, performed pre-kindergarten screening, and taught literacy to adult women. Dorothy H. Johnson Memorial Scholarship in Journalism is awarded to multicultural students from Kansas City area counties who have a high level of academic achievement.

John P. and Mary Kaiser Journalism Scholarship

This scholarship are awarded to graduates of Kansas high schools. John Kaiser, a 1951 graduate of the School of Journalism, retired in 1986 as vice president of marketing for the magazine division of Dun & Bradstreet. He was a journalist first class in the U.S. Coast Guard and later was a promotion manager for Capper Publications in Topeka.

Florence F. Kelly Scholarship

This scholarship is named for an alumna of the school who was a noted newspaperwoman.

Clarke Keys Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship honors this 1954 graduate and former Kansan editor. He earned a master’s degree in 1961, taught at the School from 1959 to 1961, and advised the Kansan for a year. He was editor-publisher of The News-Telegram in Sulphur Springs, Texas.

Edna Carol Taylor Keys Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is designated for a female journalism student at either the junior or senior level.

King Journalism Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2012 by Blaine and Lyndel King to support students in the School of Journalism.

Jerry W. Knudson Journalism Scholarship

This scholarship is named for this 1956 journalism graduate. He taught communications at Temple University for 32 years and was awarded a Freedom Forum citation by the Gannett Foundation for his coverage of Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship in Chile. This scholarship is awarded to a junior studying news.

Linda Lee Study Abroad Scholarship

This scholarship honors former journalism Professor Linda Lee. She retired in 2012 after more than two decades of service. Lee regularly led study abroad programs in Italy and Latin America. The scholarship aids students in their study abroad experiences.

Dana A. and Michael S. Leibengood Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by his parents, Dana and Judy Leibengood, after Mike’s death in 1980. Dana Leibengood was the director of student services and a former associate dean of the School. He retired in 1998 after 29 years of service.

Bruce Linton Graduate Scholarship

This scholarship in electronic media honors the professor emeritus who headed broadcast education at the School of Journalism from 1955 to 1984 and taught at KU for 33 years until 1988. The scholarship was created by Terry and Sandy Shockley and their children, Toni and Todd. Terry Shockley was a graduate student of Professor Linton’s.

Robert H. Longstaff Journalism Scholarship

This scholarship honors this 1953 graduate who was sports editor for The University Daily Kansan. He worked for The Topeka State Journal. He also headed the state capitol bureau of Booth Newspapers in Lansing, Michigan, and was editor of The Bay City Times. Longstaff’s wife, Mary Joyce, established the scholarship for a news and information student.

John Madden Scholarship

This scholarship is named for the 1914 KU graduate who was a reporter in St. Louis and worked in advertising in New York City. His family owned the Mound City, Kansas, newspaper.

Michael K. Mahaney Scholarship

This scholarship goes to a student in strategic communication.

Thomas J. McGrath Scholarship

This scholarship for outstanding achievement or exceptional promise in journalism honors this 1958 advertising graduate of the School.

John Macon McMillion Scholarship

This scholarship was given by McMillion, retired publisher of The Akron Beacon Journal. A leader at The University Daily Kansan and a 1956 graduate, McMillion had a distinguished career at newspapers in Duluth, Minnesota; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and in Texas, Colorado and Nebraska. He is a former trustee of the William Allen White Foundation. 

Paul V. Miner Scholarship

This scholarship was given by the retired president of The Kansas City Star Company, to be awarded to an outstanding news student.

Rick Musser Multimedia Fund

This scholarship was established in 2008 by Tracee Hamilton. Professor Musser taught reporting, editing and multimedia news production, served as faculty manager of The University Daily Kansan, headed the news and information track and coordinated the creation of the School’s multimedia newsroom. Hamilton worked for the Detroit Free Press and Wilmington (Delaware) News Journal before joining The Washington Post, where she was Sunday sports editor, deputy sports editor and sports columnist. This scholarship is for students studying multimedia journalism.

Delores A. Newell Scholarship

This scholarship was created by alumnus Kevin Newell in honor of his mother, Delores. Kevin is a retired executive vice president and global chief brand officer for McDonald’s USA. He was with the company for more than 25 years. His wife, Adrian, also is a KU graduate.

Laura Okmin Scholarship

This scholarship honors this 1991 graduate of the school who is sideline reporter for NFL on FOX and a founder of GALvanize, a boot camp that trains and mentors women entering the sports world. The scholarship preference is for a woman interested in sports broadcasting.

I.A. O'Shaughnessy Foundation Journalism Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded by the Kansas City Advertising Club Foundation. The fund was provided by former state Sen. David Wysong and his family.

Max C. Page Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship honors the former vice president and deputy director of the Newseum, a museum dedicated to news and journalism. While at KU, he worked as a photographer at KCMO-TV in Kansas City. He worked at television stations in Oklahoma City, Dallas, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. He finished his career at the Newseum.

Sue Parcell Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of this 1978 graduate and outstanding newswoman by her family, co-workers and viewers at WDAF-TV in Kansas City and WTOL-TV in Toledo.

Loretta Diggs Pendergraft and Keith Pendergraft Journalism Scholarship

This scholarship honors Loretta Pendergraft, a 1940 graduate of the school. The scholarship is for a student from the state of Kansas.

John Penfold Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is named for a 1935 graduate who was a photographer at The Washington Herald and Newsweek.

Jonathan Freeman Phelps Scholarship

This scholarship in advertising honors a 1973 graduate of the School. He studied advertising and worked on The University Daily Kansan. His career with Kansas City advertising and marketing agencies included a founding role with two firms, Hickerson Phelps advertising and Phelps Marketing. The fund was created to aid a student during his or her senior year.

Kathleen Donnelly Plimpton Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Kathleen and Thomas Plimpton. Kathleen attended high school in Kansas City, Kansas, and graduated from KU in 1972 with a degree in journalism.

Pontius DeVaul Scholarship

This scholarship in strategic communication was provided by James Pontius, a 1957 graduate and executive of the Fleming Companies.

Dale L. and Esther I. Puckett Family Scholarship

This scholarship honors the outstanding education received by four generations of the Puckett family. Dale Puckett was named United States Coast Guard Journalist of the Year and later formed the USCG Photo Team. A former Rainbow magazine columnist and author of three books, he now directs the newspaper advertising software operation at Brainworks in Wichita. Esther Puckett retired from the banking industry and now volunteers in Wichita. The scholarship is for a student pursuing a career in military public affairs or news and information.

Brian and Leslie Purdy Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a student with academic merit from Texas with an interest in electronic/digital media who participated in high school extracurricular activities and who held a job or internship while in high school. The scholarship was established by Brian and Leslie Purdy, who graduated from the School of Journalism in 1981 and 1982.

Allen R. Quakenbush Scholarship

This scholarship in news honors the longtime sports journalist at The Topeka Capital-Journal. A 1976 graduate of the School, Quakenbush was a sportswriter and sports editor of The University Daily Kansan and worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and Topeka Capital-Journal. The scholarship was established by Quakenbush’s Kansan colleague, David Olson, and his wife, Bobbi.

David Reece Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship honors the founder of Reece & Company Advertising in Denver. The 1975 graduate was business manager at The University Daily Kansan, a mentor to young people interested in advertising careers, and a guest lecturer at the School.

Clyde and Betty Reed Scholarship

This scholarship in news was provided by longtime benefactors of KU journalism students and faculty. The couple moved to Lawrence after selling The Parsons Sun. Clyde Reed taught editorial writing at the School until 1986.

William and Nina Redlin Journalism Student Support

This scholarship was created by Bill and Nina Redlin. Bill attended the School of Journalism and was a long-time host of NPR morning and midday programs. Nina is a 1980 graduate of the School of Pharmacy at KU. Their fund supports student scholarships, awards, fellowships and teaching or research assistantships. 

William Rollin Peschka Scholarship

This scholarship was given by Thomas and Joan Peschka to honor Rollin, who was a 1956 business advertising graduate of the School. 

Merv Rose Scholarship

This scholarship is named for the 1936 president of the Kansas Editors Association.

Fred J. Salinas Family Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Fred Salinas, who graduated in 1979 with a degree in radio-television-film. Salinas worked for most of his career with Ford Motor Company, with a brief stint at Chrysler. He is president and general manager of a Ford dealership.

Steve Schoenfeld Sports Writing Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Pro Football Writers of America to honor its former president, a 1977 graduate of the School of Journalism. Schoenfeld covered the NFL for “CBS SportsLine” after years as a reporter for newspapers in Phoenix, Dallas, Tulsa, and his native Kansas. 

School of Journalism Scholarships 

This scholarship is for the general support of journalism students through the generous support of donors.

Daniel Schorr Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Caplin Foundation in honor of Daniel Schorr, a longtime senior news analyst for National Public Radio. The scholarship is for news and information students with a preference for students from the urban areas of the East Coast or Chicago.

Angelo C. Scott Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship honors the editor and publisher of The Iola Register, who excelled as an editorial writer. The fund was established by his widow in 1968. Angelo’s father, Charles F. Scott, bought The Iola Register in 1882 and was publisher until Angelo took charge in 1938. Angelo was publisher until 1965 when his nephew, Emerson Lynn, ran the paper until 2000. Emerson’s daughter, Susan Lynn, has been publisher since then. Susan is a graduate and trustee of the William Allen White Foundation.

Ola Canfield Shade Scholarship

This scholarship was created by Samuel Shade, a 1931 KU graduate from Sedan, Kansas, as a memorial to his wife, who was active in the publication of weekly newspapers in Kansas.

Susanne Shaw Scholarship

This scholarship honors the retired KU professor and executive director of the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. In her more than 30 years at the School of Journalism, Shaw served as news adviser and general manager of The University Daily Kansan, graduate director and associate dean. She also worked as associate editor of The Tallahassee Democrat and editor and publisher of The Coffeyville Journal. The scholarship is for a promising student in journalism.

Bertha Shore Scholarship

This scholarship is a memorial to the first woman elected to the Kansas Newspaper Editors Hall of Fame and former Augusta Gazette editor.

Robert P. Sigman Family Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Bob Sigman to support journalism graduate students. Sigman is a 1951 graduate of the School who worked as an editorial writer for The Kansas City Star and opinion page editor for Sun Publications. 

Jim and Michal Small International Travel Fund

Mark Richard Smith Scholarship

This scholarship for out-of-state students was created by this 1983 graduate from New Mexico. He owned a design firm in Dallas and attended graduate school in Chicago.

William T. and Ira R. Smith Scholarship

This scholarship is designated for graduate or undergraduate students of academic merit studying news and information.

SPM Communications Scholarship

This scholarship is for students studying strategic communication.

Oscar and Ethel Stauffer Scholarships

This scholarship were established by the Stauffers for deserving journalism students. The School of Journalism building name recognizes the great contributions that Oscar Stauffer and his family have made to KU and to the School.

Lester Suhler Memorial Scholarships

This scholarship in magazine or new media are named for the 1930 journalism graduate who was a member of the board of directors and vice president of Cowles Communications and LOOK magazine subscription director. The family is a longtime supporter of the School. His daughter, Susan Suhler, a 1963 graduate, was an engineering proposal writer in Lawrence. His son, John Suhler, a 1965 graduate, is co-founder and chairman emeritus of Veronis Suhler Stevenson, a media industry-focused private capital investment fund in New York.

Latina Sullivan Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was created by The University Daily Kansan and the School to honor the 1997 summer editor of The Kansan. Sullivan was a McNair Scholar at KU and worked in Watson Library. The scholarship goes to a multicultural student in print journalism.

Wendell Sullivan Scholarship

This scholarship was given by his family to honor Mr. Sullivan, a founder of the Sullivan Higdon & Sink advertising and public relations firm in Wichita.

Tanaka-Miller Multicultural Journalism Scholarships

This scholarship were created by Douglas L. Miller and Audrey Tanaka Miller of Weybridge, Surrey, England. The Multicultural Scholars Program program at KU awards scholarships and encourages mentoring of multicultural students.

Frances Elizabeth Taylor Scholarship

This scholarship was created by Taylor, a 1903 alumna who taught journalism at Argentine High School from 1904 to 1963.

Carlos R. Tejada Journalism Scholarship

This scholarship honors this 1995 graduate of the School who first worked at The Wall Street Journal and then The New York Times. His work shaped how the world came to understand the rising influence of China. The scholarship is for students with an interest in international studies, study abroad or journalism covering Asian or Chinese regions.

Emil Telfel Scholarship

This scholarship honors Professor Telfel, who joined the faculty in 1946 and was the School’s lead editing teacher. In summers he worked on area newspapers. He wrote the book, “A Day on the Copy Desk,” in 1952.

Frank and Vera Thayer Scholarship

This scholarship is named for a KU graduate and attorney who specialized in journalism law, and for his wife.

Howard Turtle Scholarship

This scholarship was given by Turtle, a 1934 graduate, and his wife, Thelma. In his 40-year career with The Kansas City Star, Turtle was a reporter, Sunday editor, and editor of Star magazine. He was a decorated veteran of the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

Major John Michael Wertz Scholarship

This scholarship was established by members of his family. Maj. Wertz was a 1965 graduate of the School who served in Vietnam.

White House Correspondents' Association Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded annually to students who excel at media information management. The student winner will have a reputation for accuracy in fact-checking and the ability to access databases, government documents and personal sources. In addition, the student will excel at using methods of dissemination of information, including use of traditional and social media.

William Allen White Foundation Scholarship for Graduate Students

William Allen White Foundation Scholarship for Undergraduate Students

This scholarship was created by the Board of Trustees of the William Allen White Foundation for students who demonstrate academic excellence. The Foundation, created in 1945, supports journalism education and excellence in the profession. 

Jessie-Lea Messick Williams Scholarship

This scholarship honors this 1918 graduate who was active with honorary journalism society Theta Sigma Phi her entire life and in 1967 received the National Distinguished Service Award. The scholarship goes to a student demonstrating leadership and commitment to community service.

Roger N. Wooldridge Memorial Scholarships

These scholarships, provided by Mr. and Mrs. Norris Wooldridge of Hutchinson, Kansas, have helped journalism students since 1974. The scholarships honor the couple’s son, Roger, who was a student in the School.

Christian Yegen Scholarship

This scholarship was established by his family in memory of the Atchison businessman. Two of his granddaughters are graduates of the School.

Lee Young Scholarship

This scholarship was created by Professor Young for juniors or seniors interested in magazine journalism. A member of the faculty from 1964 to 1989, Young developed classes that became the School’s magazine journalism sequence. The gift is an expression of gratitude to students and colleagues with whom he worked for 25 years.

Joel Zeff Chicken Piccata Scholarship

This scholarship was established by this 1990 graduate who worked on The University Daily Kansan. He worked as a reporter and advertising writer for the Dallas Times Herald and with public relations firms before starting a consulting business, Joel Zeff Creative. He is an award-winning comedian, speaker, actor and writer. The scholarship’s name came from the meal Zeff was eating while discussing the fund with a KU Endowment staff member.

Awards

Mel Adams Award

This award honors Professor Adams, who retired in 1989 after nearly 30 years of teaching, advising and helping students find jobs. The award goes to a student leader in strategic communication.

Drew Anderson Inspiration Award

This award honors a 2011 graduate and University Daily Kansan copy chief who inspired others with his determination, humor and spirit. The award goes to an outstanding senior who demonstrates passion for journalism and inspires fellow students.

The Agency Award

This award recognizes Agency students for outstanding contributions to the development and stewardship of the Agency’s culture of excellence and service to clients. 

Steam Whistle Creative Awards

This award recognizes team members whose talents and contributions inspire great creative work. 

National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) Award

This award recognizes NSAC student team members who demonstrate exceptional talent and dedication in this selective competition among 250+ U.S. universities. 

Christina Merrill Bradford Award

This award honors the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who taught at the School of Journalism from 1999 to 2008. Bradford spent more than 35 years in the newspaper industry, from reporter to managing editor of The Detroit News. The award is for a multicultural student studying news media.

John Bremner Award

This award honors the internationally known guardian of the English language and author of “Words on Words: A Dictionary for Writers and Others Who Care About Words.” The award goes to students demonstrating excellence in copy editing.

Ann M. Brill and Larry J. Schmitz Award

This award honors Larry Schmitz, the husband of Dean Ann Brill, who helped others through his work as a drug and alcohol counselor. The award is for a student demonstrating excellent journalism in service to the community.

J. Laurence Day Study Abroad Award

Honors Professor Day, who was a tenured professor from 1966 to 1988 and director of KU’s study abroad program in Costa Rica during the 1982-83 academic year. The award is for a student who will study abroad in the next 12 months. 

Walter Ewert Award

This award honors Professor Ewert, who died in a car accident in 1950. Kansan students raised money for the education of his surviving son and the rest became the base for this award. The award goes to a student demonstrating outstanding reporting on The University Daily Kansan.

Gerald Funk Award

This award honors an alumnus who worked for the McGraw-Hill Magazine Division in New York. The fund was given by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Hays of Wellsville, Kansas. The award goes to students demonstrating outstanding news or magazine writing.

Mugur V. and Anca Geana Research Award

This award honors a student for contributing to the field of health communication through theoretical, applied or community-based research. Drs. Mugur and Anca Geana endowed this award to promote and support the school’s graduate program. The award goes to a graduate student with a proven record of excellence in health communication research.

Graduating Student Opportunity Award in Journalism

Honors the achievement of a single School of Journalism and Mass Communications student who has just graduated. The award goes to an outstanding graduated student. 

Mark Johnson First Amendment Award

This award honors Professor Johnson, who teaches First Amendment and Media Law. The recipient is a student who excels in the study of the First Amendment and the protection of free speech.

Kansan Above and Beyond Award

This award honors work that had significant audience or advertiser impact or media innovation at The University Daily Kansan. The award goes to Kansan news or business/advertising students.

John Katich Award

This award honors Professor Katich, who led the broadcast sequence from 1990 to 1997, taught media sales and media management, and was instrumental in creating KUJH-TV. He was on the faculty from 1986 until his death in October 2001. The award goes to an outstanding student in broadcast journalism.

Diane Lazzarino Award

This award honors the first director of the Bremner Editing Center and writing teacher who retired in 2006 after 37 years. Her writing classes were known for projects the benefited community agencies. She was the adviser to the KU Ad Club for 20 years. The award is for an outstanding student in strategic communication.

Dana Leibengood Award

This award honors the director of student services and former associate dean who retired in 1998 after 29 years of service to the School of Journalism. The award goes to an outstanding senior in strategic communication.

Chuck Marsh Award in Strategic Communication

This award honors this longtime professor known for his high moral and professional standards and teaching of ethics. He served over 30 years in the School as an active scholar who created a national reputation for his research on public relations. The award goes to an outstanding student in strategic communication.

Calder Pickett Award

This award honors the noted journalism historian who retired from the school in 1988. In December 2005, his award-winning radio program, “The American Past,” was broadcast for the last time, ending 32 years on Kansas Public Radio. The recipient is an outstanding graduate student.

Don Pierce Award

This award honors a 1940 graduate who was an all-conference football center and KU sports information director. The award goes to a student demonstrating outstanding sports writing on The University Daily Kansan.

Mark Pittman Award

This award honors a 1981 alumnus who wrote a series in 2007 predicting the collapse of the banking system. The award goes to students who excel in investigative journalism.

Angelo C. Scott Award

Honors the former editor and publisher of The Iola Register, who excelled as an editorial writer. The award goes to a student demonstrating outstanding work on The University Daily Kansan. 

University Daily Kansan Addie Award

This award honors excellence in advertising or marketing on The University Daily Kansan or Kansan.com. The award goes to a Kansan advertising staff member.

Art Wolf Legacy Internship Award

This award honors the founder of Centron, a Lawrence-based production studio of educational and industrial films beginning in 1947. Wolf taught a corporate video class in 1990, and he profoundly influenced this fund’s donor, Craig Campbell, a 1990 graduate of the school.

Lee Young Award

This award honors the founder of the School of Journalism’s magazine sequence and former acting dean who retired in 1989. The award goes to an outstanding student in magazine.