The Department of Communication honored eight Communication undergraduates who won 2018/2019 ComArtSci Scholarships on April 13, 2018. Faculty members Bill Donohue, Vernon Miller, Amanda Holmstrom and Jim Dearing joined the students for a celebratory lunch.
“This group of scholarship winners is truly exceptional,” said Vernon Miller, coordinator of the undergraduate program in the department. “They are already contributing to the University and their communities. We look forward to seeing their accomplishments in the coming years!”
Bill Donohue was similarly impressed. “I was very impressed with each of the student’s focus. They had specific plans for their future work that are very exciting and innovative. We know the scholarships will be well invested by these students.”
Each of the scholarships given focus on supporting undergraduates in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences and are chosen based on their motivation and capability to achieve their educational and professional goals. Recipients were:
- Brandy Blackwell (Glenn and Thelma Buell ComArtSci Endowed Memorial Scholarship)
- Lauren Clarke (Terry and Tami Inch Scholarship)
- Hannah Kutchinski (ComArtSci General Scholarship)
- Marianne Nezich (Terry and Tami Inch Scholarship)
- Kirsten Rockey (David L. Kragt Memorial Scholarship in ComArtSci)
- Katherine Schlafhauser (Terry and Tami Inch Scholarship)
- Alyse Vanacker (Donald and Annette Neal Scholarship)
- Brooke Wylin (Dr. David and Patricia Nix “Miss MSU” Barron Endowed Scholarship in ComArtSci)
The students reported good experiences in their program of study. Lauren Clarke said that “I love being a COMM major because what I learn can immediately be applied to my life, both professionally and personally. Learning about interpersonal communication helps to build better relationships, mass media effects helps you analyze all the media you consume, and learning the science behind communication studies helps you to understand and question all of the scientific studies you come across. I feel like what I am learning as a COMM student will be beneficial no matter what path I follow in my career.”
“I love being part of the Department of Communication because the faculty and staff truly care about their students, said Marianne Nezich. “They make every effort to ensure students feel welcome and provide amazing opportunities for students’ growth.”
Brooke Wylie added that “It’s great because I have the opportunity to take a variety of interesting and engaging courses that I have been able to apply to different aspects of my life within various relationship contexts.”