The School of Communication and Journalism (SoCJ) awarded more than $20,000 in scholarships to students at the school’s end-of-year banquet. Most of the awards help continuing students; one is given to a graduating senior to support them in the next phase of their career.
“These scholarships are a testament to the quality of our students and our school, and the deep dedication of our donors to supporting future journalists and communication professionals,” said Laura Lindenfeld, dean of the School of Communication and Journalism and executive director of the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science. “Many of our students have demonstrated financial need, and we are proud to offer them these scholarships to help defray the cost of a Stony Brook education.”
Eleven students received scholarships, which range in amount from $500 to $2,500. Most of the scholarships are funded by retired journalism faculty, university administrators or others whose lives were impacted by the school or university.
“The competition for these awards was fierce, and the scholarship committee had quite a job deciding who among our students should receive these awards,” said Irene Virag, associate dean and undergraduate program director at the SoCJ. “I’m so proud of all of our award winners and grateful for the generosity of our donors for supporting them as they pursue careers in journalism and communication.”
Melanie Formosa received the Robert and Rhoda Amon Memorial Scholarship, awarded to outstanding junior or senior journalism majors who demonstrate a commitment to journalism, write well, excel in classes and demonstrate financial need.
Mackenszie Yaddaw received the Catherine M. Asycue Endowed Memorial Scholarship, which was created in honor of Catherine Asycue, a prolific writer and art lover.
Two students, Maria Lynders and Joshua Joseph, received the Harvey Aronson and Irene Virag Scholarship for Narrative Journalism. Virag and Aronson created the scholarship to recognize and support students who excel in long-form, narrative writing.
Joseph also received the Martin Buskin Award for Campus Journalism, which recognizes student leaders in campus journalism who have a record of producing outstanding work that makes an impact on the campus community.
Maya Brown received the Carol Chernow Scholarship, established to support the development of young writers interested in pursuing careers in journalism.
Amaya McDonald was awarded the Daniel Conway Memorial Scholarship, which recognizes students with a distinguished record in producing outstanding audio or broadcast journalism.
Anthony Johnson received the Matthew T. Crosson Memorial Scholarship, established to support students who demonstrate an interest in ethical, respectful and fact-based communication, particularly in public affairs.
Sara Ruberg received the George L. DeWan Memorial Scholarship, awarded to a student who demonstrates critical thinking, outstanding writing and a commitment to social justice.
The Herman Klurfeld Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Keating Zelenke. The Klurfeld scholarship is awarded to an outstanding junior journalism student who represents the school’s goals and mission and who demonstrates great potential to succeed as a professional journalist.
Justin Mitselmakher was awarded the Marcy McGinnis Scholarship for Broadcast Journalism, awarded to students who excel in broadcast journalism, demonstrate high academic achievement, and show exceptional talent, dedication and promise.
Lauren Canavan won the Paul A. Schreiber Scholarship, created to support students who are excellent reporters, demonstrate leadership and seek to pursue careers in journalism.
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