February 2, 2012

Comm Studies major awarded veterans scholarship

An Eastern Illinois University Communication Studies major is one of seven students in Illinois to be awarded special veterans scholarships this semester.

Blake Leitch was awarded a scholarship by the Illinois Patriot Education Fund and Student Veterans of America.  The scholarships are designed to incentivize academic excellence, ease the financial stress facing many student veterans, and supplement the gaps left in the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

More than 200 Illinois student veterans submitted applications, along with an essay. To be eligible, applicants must be attend an Illinois school or be able to demonstrate a strong Illinois connection (i.e. lived in the state prior to service). All applications were scored on academic achievement, SVA participation, community involvement, and the applicant’s personal essay. 

Leitch is a U.S. Army veteran who is majoring in Corporate Communication at Eastern.