PR majors in EIU’s School of Communication & Journalism earn scholarships, awards
May-11-2026Eight EIU students received distinctions as high performers in EIU’s Public Relations major program
(Charleston, IL) – Eastern Illinois University has awarded eight students with end-of-academic-year distinctions for their contributions to EIU and to the Charleston, Illinois-based University’s premier Public Relations program.
“Each year, the students enrolled in EIU’s School of Communication & Journalism and our Public Relations major continue to impress us with the talent, passion, and professionalism they bring to our classrooms, our campus, and our communities,” said EIU Communication and Public Relations Professor Dr. Claudia Janssen Danyi. "I am so proud of this year's scholarship- and award-winning public relations majors who have excelled with their work ethic, drive to grow and learn, and enthusiasm for shaping effective, strategic, and ethical communication for organizations and causes.”
Eastern’s Public Relations program is part of EIU’s School of Communication & Journalism, and has recently awarded the following students with associated honors and scholarships:
- Betty Lou Balasi Scholarship Recipient
Kaylee Unruh; Class of 2027; from Vernon, Vermont
This scholarship is awarded to juniors, seniors, and graduate students majoring in Communication Studies who embody the qualities that endeared former EIU Department of Speech secretary Betty Lou Balasi, including a positive outlook and zest for life, compassion, generosity of spirit, and a genuine interest in and selfless commitment to the success and happiness of students and faculty.
- Cecil Paul and Marjorie Wilson Davis Top Student Communication Award (Public Relations)
Jessica Roell (right); Class of 2026; Harrison, Ohio
This award memorializes the late Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Paul and Marjorie W. Davis,’51. Cecil Paul was a U.S. Navy veteran and his wife Marjorie taught English for 24 years, mainly at Stephen Decatur High School and at Champaign Central High School in Urbana. It is awarded to an EIU student with average or above-average academic achievement.
- Dr. J. Glenn Ross Scholarship
Chloe Harneteaux (left); Class of 2027, McLeansboro, Illinois
This scholarship is for sophomores, juniors, and seniors in the Communication Studies major who show outstanding scholastic achievement and will do their part to contribute to a promising future. - Frank and Irene Luce Wilson Rising Star Communication Award (Public Relations)
Abigail Smith; Class of 2027; Charleston, Illinois
This award is an annual honor presented by EIU’s School of Communication and Journalism recognizing a rising communication student who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement, personal character, and high scholarship within the department.
- Jack L. Payan Scholarship
Marley Good-Thurston (right); Class of 2029; Tuscola, Illinois
The Jack L. Payan Scholarship offers financial assistance to a transfer student majoring in the Communication Studies program. - Panther Communications Outstanding Contribution Award
- James Vandeveer; Class of 2026; Arcola, Illinois
- Mackenzie Fehrenbacher; Class of 2026; Toledo, Illinois
- Camyrn Word-Chapple; Class of 2026; Crete, Illinois
The Panther Communication Outstanding Contribution Award is an annual honor presented by the School of Communication and Journalism recognizing undergraduate students who have provided exceptional service, dedication, and leadership to the department.
Above-named students receiving scholarships will have their awards distributed for use in the 2026-27 academic year.
EIU’s scholarship opportunities are available to explore through a searchable, online tool at eiu.academicworks.com, and help connect prospective and current EIU students with personalized scholarships at the University. Prospective students looking for EIU scholarship opportunities can search for scholarships by keyword, department, field of study, career interests, and more. Students who have already been admitted to the University or who are currently enrolled also can use their EIU emails to log in to the online tool, where their EIU information will automatically pair them with the most useful or recommended scholarships available.
With a streamlined, no-cost application process and access to admissions counselors, prospective EIU students can quickly move from interest to enrollment while exploring scholarship opportunities and campus resources. Interested students can learn more about EIU’s admissions process at eiu.edu/admissions/apply.
EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.
About Public Relations Careers: Public relations specialists create and maintain a favorable public image for clients by drafting press releases, managing social media, and handling media requests. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field, features a median annual wage of $69,780, and is projected to experience a 5% employment growth through 2034.
