Media and Information Scholarships

The application WILL OPEN December 2, 2024. Scholarship applications are intended for Media and Information students taking classes Fall 2025 - Spring 2026 and beyond. BA students must be majoring in Information Science, or Games & Interactive Media, MA in Media and Information or PhD in Information and Media, with their home department as Media and Information.

The deadline for all materials to be turned in is Friday, January 17, 2025 at 5:00pm.

Apply via MSU's scholarship site: http://scholarships.msu.edu

====

Questions can be emailed to wensloff@msu.edu

Thank you, Donors!

Thank you to all donors whose gifts allow us to award our Media and Information scholarships! Your contributions continue to promote excellence amongst students across all areas of study offered by the Department of Media and Information. You have given many of our best students a chance to further their education in ways that would not have been possible without your help and we are grateful for your generosity!

Scholarship List

Undergrad

Undergrad + Grad

Grad

Ira and Jennie Greene Endowed Scholarship

Scholarship Fund Type: Endowment
Scholarship Fund Established: Spring 1998

Scholarship Fund Description:

The scholarship is named for and gives recognition to Ira and Jennie Greene of Hamden, Connecticut, first generation Americans, who understood and fostered the importance of education in an individual's life. Among other achievements, through their commitment to a strong work ethic and staunch family values, they were able to provide the encouragement and resources that enabled their son, David, to attend and graduate from Michigan State University. The deeper significance of the relationship between MSU and the Greene family, though, rests not only on the fine quality of education David Greene received at Michigan State and the opportunities it created to help him achieve his personal best, but on the continual contributions the University has made to the various family members during their lifetimes.

The real character and strength of Michigan State University, from the Greene's perspective, is reflected in the pride and individual fulfillment they've gained via ongoing communications and contact with Michigan State.

Kevin R. Markwardt Award

Scholarship Fund Type: Endowment
Scholarship Fund Established: Spring 1998

Scholarship Fund Description:

Kevin was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 22, 1955. He attended Franklin High School in Livonia, Michigan, where he graduated "With Honors" and was "Honorable Mention All State" defensive end on their football team in his senior year. At MSU, he majored in Telecommunication and graduated "With Honors" in 1977. Kevin was a sports fanatic and attended most events at the school even after graduation. Kevin died February 5, 1979, in an automobile accident on his way home after attending an MSU basketball tournament weekend.

This award is intended to encourage students who have the demonstrated capacity to achieve educational and professional goals, the motivation to achieve these goals and the initiative to seek opportunities to further their progress.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Worthy and capable student at Michigan State University in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences' Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media.
  • Recipient(s) should be at least in their junior year with a B (3.0) grade point average.

Michael A. Chaprnka Endowed Scholarship Award

Scholarship Fund Type: Endowment
Scholarship Fund Established: Fall 1999

Scholarship Fund Description:

This scholarship award is established in memory of Michael A. Chaprnka who was a strong young scholar at Michigan State University seeking and finding his calling in the field of Telecommunication. Michael always demonstrated exceptional industry by supplementing his dedication to education by part-time jobs. His solid creativity and expressive nature is recalled by his trio that played and produced their own music. Mike was a caring, modest and thoughtful person who brought joy and happiness to those he met throughout his life. He was especially loyal to his wide circle of well-chosen friends. An extremely positive and happy person. Mike offered a ready smile and warm humor to all. Above all, Michael dedicated his life and interest to others. He was deeply respected by his peers as well as younger and older persons who knew him. His love of his family and close friends was attested by the large outpouring by his numerous friends who participated in his memorial service. Michael A. Chaprnka is a person whose life promised unlimited potential with his strong talents as a writer, speaker and musician.

The warm, kind honesty of his personality will remain at MSU and in the minds, hearts and memories of all who knew him. Accordingly, the parents, friends and associates of Michael A. Chaprnka join with the Department of Telecommunication of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences of Michigan State University to initiate a memorial to award students who exhibit the characteristics exhibited by this outstanding young person.

The award is intended to encourage students who have the demonstrated capacity to achieve educational and professional goals, the motivation to achieve these goals and the initiative to seek opportunities to further their progress.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a worthy and capable student at Michigan State University in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences' Department of Media and Information.
  • Dedicated to and planning study in areas of telecommunication.
  • An outstanding scholar maintaining at least a 2.5 GPA.
  • Have reached second year (sophomore) status.
  • Exhibit scholarship, industry, creativity and optimism, demonstrate concern for others, is respected by a wide circle of people and peer leadership by attributes of strong personal integrity.

Additional Funding Notes:

Annual announcement of the scholarship will be made to generally coincide with the spring commencement of the University to further recall Michael's passing in March 1999.

Additional Judging Criteria:

Selected by a committee to include faculty and a student representative of Media and Information from among students nominated for this award.

 

 

Larry Estlack Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Fund Type: Expendable
Scholarship Fund Established: 2017

Scholarship Fund Description:

Established through a bequest from Larry and also gifts from many of his friends and family, this scholarship recognizes the lasting impact that Larry had on Michigan State University through teaching telecommunication courses and working with hundreds of students, teaching them how to edit, produce commercials, conduct interviews, and more importantly, what it took to be a broadcaster. In honor of him, the Larry Estlack Memorial Scholarship has been created to help make a significant impact for future students seeking careers in broadcast engineering.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements:

  • Undergrad M&I students interested in broadcast engineering

 

 

Thomas A. Muth, Sr. Endowed Fund in Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media

Scholarship Fund Type: Endowment
Scholarship Fund Established: Fall 2007

Scholarship Fund Description:

This endowed fund is established by Tom Muth's former students, colleagues, and friends in celebration of more than 30 years of teaching, research and service to Michigan State University and the Department of Media and Information. Tom has been an inspiration to undergraduate and graduate students alike, providing academic guidance and career advice to many grateful former students. His mix of legal acumen and communication scholarship, coupled with an innovative teaching style that challenged students to explore the complex policy issues raised by modern communication and information technologies has made Tom one of MSU's most beloved professors. He has received excellence in teaching awards from the Golden Key National Honor Society and Michigan State University, and a leadership award from the Lansing Chamber of Commerce. Tom helped to found ASCOT, a student organization that focuses on preparing students for careers in the communications industries, and served as its faculty advisor. He has initiated many projects that directly connected students with industry and with communities in the state. He has been a sought-after consultant in the state, providing advice to both city and state government in matters relating to telecommunications policy. In addition to his teaching and research, Dr. Muth served as interim chair of the Department of Telecommunication, as it was known at the time from 1996 to 1999.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements:

  • Worthy and capable student at Michigan State University in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences' Department of Media and Information.
  • An undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in the Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media.
  • Preference shall be given to students that:
    • Demonstrate financial need, as determined by the federal government, according to its policies and procedures.
    • Maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average (on a 4 point scale).
    • Participate in activities that enhance career opportunities (e.g. networking events, internships, professional association memberships, attending professional conferences).

Maxine and John (Jake) Ferris Global Award in Technologies & Applications

Scholarship Fund Type: Endowment
Scholarship Fund Established: December 2009

Scholarship Fund Description:

Active, vibrant members of the MSU and East Lansing communities, Maxine and John (Jake) are also MSU alumni: Maxine earned her Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Public Address in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences and Jake earned his Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Maxine and Jake are Professors Emeritus of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and, believe that international experiences broaden students' perspectives and help them become better citizens of the world. Maxine and Jake will establish an endowed fund to help support students in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Development initiative, a collaboration of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering and the Honors College that includes a specialization and study abroad program.

The scholarship fund supports student participation in the Designing Technology Solutions for Schools in Africa program or overseas fieldwork in technologies & applications in the Department of Media and Information in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at MSU.

Scholarship funds are to help cover the cost of travel and other related expenses associated with participating in the Designing Technology Solutions for Schools in Africa program.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Worthy and capable student at Michigan State University in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences' Department of Media and Information.
  • Scholarship funds are to help cover the cost of travel and other related expenses associated with participating in the Information & Communications Technology for Development (ICTD).

Thomas F. Baldwin Endowed Fellowship

Scholarship Fund Type: Endowment
Scholarship Fund Established: February 2006

Scholarship Fund Description:

This endowed fellowship is established by Tom Baldwin's colleagues, former students and friends in celebration of more than 40 years of teaching, research and service to Michigan State University and the Department of Media and Information. Tom is considered by many to be the father of cable television education in the United States and a groundbreaking researcher on issues important to the cable industry. In addition, Dr. Baldwin was the chair of the committee that originated the Mass Media Ph.D. Program in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences in 1978 and was the director of that program for 18 years. He also served as the acting chair of the Department of Telecommunication (now called Media and Information) on multiple occasions and the department flourished because of his vision. Tom has also served as a telecommunication consultant in Hong Kong, South Korea and China.

He passed away in 2011.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements:

  • Worthy and capable student at Michigan State University in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences' Department of Media and Information.
  • A graduate student enrolled in the Department of Media and Information.

Mark Levy ICT4D Award

Scholarship Fund Established: 2016

Scholarship Fund Description:

Mark was a firm believer that research should do good, and a staunch advocate of projects that use telecommunications to improve the lives of the world's poor. Funded through gifts by friends and family in memory of Mark Levy, the scholarship will help new generations of scholars carry on this work.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements:

  • Graduate students enrolled in the Department of Media and Information.
  • Students studying Information and Communication Technology for Development.

Cucci Endowed Scholarship

Brenda J. Cucci is an alumna of Michigan State University College of Communication Arts and Sciences. She received her BA in Telecommunication in 1988 and her MA in Telecommunication in 1995. She was recognized with an Outstanding Alumni Award in 1999 for her continued involvement and support of the college and the attending students. She has stayed involved with the college as a guest lecturer and continues to support athletic programs including traveling to football bowl games and basketball tournaments. Brenda financially supported herself through college and wants to provide young adults an opportunity for financial support in their quest for attaining a degree from Michigan State University's College of Communications Arts and Sciences.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements:

  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Recipients must qualify for financial aid, but the student's need level does not require "High Need" as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • Recipients must complete an essay which may include the following questions:
    1. How do you plan to use your studies in Media and Information to advance your career?
    2. Why are you interested in Media and Information?
    3. How do you think your studies will advance your career?