Scholarships for Freshmen/Transfer Students
Incoming freshmen or transfer students majoring in journalism are eligible to apply for several scholarships carrying cash awards. A high school or community college journalism teacher or adviser must nominate all applicants. The application deadline for freshman/transfer student scholarships and awards is May 1.
The John David Reed Journalism Scholarship
Established in 1993 by Mike and Melanie Cowling, this award is intended for an incoming freshman or transfer student majoring in journalism. The recipient must have demonstrated an intent to pursue a career in news-editorial journalism through significant participation in high school, college and/or other news media. The applicant must describe in an essay of about 500 words his/her interest in participating in student or other news media while at EIU in order to enhance his/her preparation for a career in news-editorial journalism. Mike Cowling, ’75, was a student of Dr. Reed’s. A journalism professor from 1972-2005, Dr. Reed also served as chair of the Journalism Department and director of Student Publications.
The Eric Schuster Scholarship
This award was established in 1991 by staff members of the Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette as a memorial to the late Eric Schuster, an editor and reporter at the paper. The scholarship is available to an incoming freshman or transfer student majoring in journalism who intends to pursue a newspaper career. Candidates must demonstrate financial need, as well as strong academic performance. Racial minorities especially are encouraged to apply. Applicants must attach a 250- to 400-word description of intent to pursue a newspaper journalism career.
The Pierre Toussaint Journalism Scholarship
Established in 1991 by Dr. Peter Voelz, professor emeritus of journalism, to honor Pierre Toussaint, this award goes to an entering freshman interested in studying journalism at EIU. Preference is given to minorities. Toussaint was born into slavery in the French colony of St. Dominique (now Haiti) in 1787. After becoming a free man at the age of 41, Toussaint had a distinguished career as a founder of Catholic charitable works in the United States. He is currently a candidate for sainthood in the Catholic Church.
Talented Student Awards, Grants-In-Aid Awards
A limited number of TSA and GIA awards are given to incoming freshmen and transfer students who show promise and demonstrate an interest in a career in journalism. Applicants must plan to attend Eastern Illinois University to major in journalism. Applicants further understand that during any semester this award is received they must: 1) Be officially enrolled in the Department of Journalism as a full-time student; 2) Remain in good academic standing; 3) Demonstrate an intention to pursue a career in journalism or public relations by active participation in one or more student media or organizations affiliated with the Journalism Department, by working part time in a professional situation or by participating in some other approved activity.For more information about journalism scholarships and awards, contact:
- Department of Journalism
2521 Buzzard Hall
Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
217.581.6003
For more information about university scholarships, awards, and financial aid programs, contact:
- Office of Financial Aid
Student Services Building
Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
217.581.3714
