Communication Scholarships and Prizes

Applying for most scholarships and prizes can be done through a web-based application. An online application will be available each semester. The application for the Paul Hudson Communications Endowed Scholarship is separate and can be found in the description below. Please fill out the paper application and submit it to the Department office in Blake B 122.

View past scholarship winners or past prize winners.

Scholarships and Prizes Offered

Women’s Press Club of New York State Scholarship

The annual Betty Flood Morrow Women’s Press Club of New York State Scholarship is awarded each year to a student who is a resident of New York state and who is or will be enrolled full-time in a college or university located within New York state in a communications-related field of study. This year, we are awarding one scholarship for $1,000.The application deadline is August 1. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please feel free to contact Lauren Halligan at 518- 281-7473 or laurenhalligan1@gmail.com.

The Mel Allen Annual Scholarship in Communication

The Mel Allen Annual Scholarship Fund was established by Curt Smith in honor of Mel Allen, known as "the Voice" and who was an American sportscaster. This scholarship is awarded to a student who a) has an overall GPA of 3.0 or better, b) participates in co-curricular communication activities, and c) shows evidence of financial need, which may include the student participating in, or being responsible for part of their college expenses.

Ambassador Apartments Scholarship for Excellence in Journalism

The Ambassador Apartments Scholarship is awarded to a student who is an outstanding writer for the College's newspaper, The Lamron. It is endowed by Frank Csapo, Ambassador Apartments.

Campus Media Leadership Scholarship Endowment

The Campus Media Leadership Scholarship Endowment provides a scholarship and was established by Pam '77 and Art Hatton, Vice President for College Advancement Emeritus. This scholarship is awarded to a student who is a) actively involved in a leadership role with campus media (for example: The Lamron or WGSU), b) working to promote communication and understanding among members of the College community, and c) is deserving.

Janie Argenta '82 Memorial Endowed Scholarship

The Janie Argenta 1982 Memorial Scholarship Endowment provides scholarships and was established by Lauren Dixon of Dixon Schwabl, along with friends, colleagues, and the family of Janie Argenta, '82. This scholarship is awarded to one or more students who a) are full-time, incoming or currently enrolled at Geneseo, b) are majoring in communication, c) are in good academic standing, d) have demonstrated financial need. These scholarships are non-renewable, but may be repeatable.

Paul Hudson Communications Endowed Scholarship

The Paul Hudson Communication Scholarship Endowment provides a scholarship and was established by Roberts Communication, Inc. This scholarship is awarded to a student who a) is a junior with at least 50 earned academic credits, b) is a communication major, c) demonstrates academic excellence with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.25 or better, d) has financial need, e) is available to complete an internship in the fall, spring or summer, and f) preferably wishes to pursue a career in communication in Western New York. This scholarship can be applied toward tuition for summer internship credit or semester classes. The recipient earns 3-6 academic credits for successful completion of an internship during the spring, summer or fall semester.

John V. Lynn '83 Memorial in Journalism Scholarship Endowment

The John V. Lynn 1983 Memorial in Journalism Scholarship Endowment provides a scholarship and was established by the family and friends of John V. Lynn, '83. The scholarship is awarded to a student who a) is an undergraduate, b) is involved in journalistic activity on campus (course writing for journalism class, working on The Lamron or WGSU), c) demonstrates financial need, d) has a minimum of 2.5 cumulative GPA , and e) is majoring in any discipline.

Vincent E. Spezzano Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Excellence in Communication

The Vincent E. Spezzano Memorial Scholarship Endowment provides a scholarship and was established by Marjorie Elliot Spezzano, 1948 in honor of her husband, Vincent E. Spezzano. This scholarship is awarded to a student who a) is outstanding, b) is a communication major, c) has a history of involvement in extra-curricular or professional communication activities, d) is a senior.

Christine Pagano Stralitz ’53 Memorial Endowed Scholarship

The Christine Pagano-Stralitz 1953 Memorial Scholarship Endowment provides a $1,000 scholarship and was established by Paul Stralitz as a memorial to his wife, Christine Pagano-Stralitz, '53. This scholarship is awarded to a student who a) is outstanding, b) is a communication or education major, and c) has a demonstrated commitment to serving others.

Dr. Amy Tolbert 1985 Annual Scholarship in Communication Fund

The Dr. Amy Tolbert 1985 Annual Scholarship in Communication Fund provides a $1,000 scholarship and was established by Dr. Amy Tolbert, 1985. This scholarship is awarded to a student who a) is a junior, b) is a communication major, c) has a cumulative and major GPA of 3.0, d) demonstrates academic achievement, e) demonstrates co-curricular achievements, and f) demonstrates financial need.

Academic Achievement Prize

This prize is presented to the graduating senior in Communication with the highest overall GPA, as of fall semester, prior to graduation. The prize recipient is selected based on the most current GPA calculated by the Records Office. This prize is generously supported by gifts to the Fund for Geneseo from alumni, friends, faculty and staff of the Department of Communication. Past awards have averaged $120.

BJ Keller Prize for Excellence in Journalism

Awarded to a junior or senior with a minimum overall GPA of 2.75, and a 3.30 GPA, or better, in the major. The recipient must have successfully completed COMN 105 or 107 and have news clips from some aspect of journalism such as an internship at a newspaper, a news bureau or the student newspaper. NOTE: Along with filling out the application, please bring hard copies of 3-5 representative news clips to Noreen Mazurowski in Blake B122. Past awards have averaged $120.

Outstanding Student Service Prize

Awarded to a graduating senior with outstanding co-curricular achievement. Involvement in promoting the academic and service goals of the Department of Communication is also considered. This prize is generously supported by gifts to the Fund for Geneseo from alumni, friends, faculty and staff of the Department of Communication. Past awards have averaged $120.

Senior Merit Prize

This prize is intended for the cost of books and supplies and is presented to a graduating senior who has received official notice of enrollment in a graduate program in Communication, beginning the semester following graduation from SUNY Geneseo. Requirement is an exceptional overall undergraduate record at SUNY Geneseo. Those who are eligible for the prize are nominated by faculty of the Department of Communication. Students who feel they will be eligible for this prize should contact either their academic advisor or a faculty member of the department, no later than March 22. This prize is generously supported by gifts to the Fund for Geneseo from alumni, friends, faculty and staff of the Department of Communication. Past awards have averaged $200.