On the evening of Monday, Nov. 10, 2014, the inaugural class of JMC Promising Scholars and their donors had the opportunity to meet face-to-face for the first time at a special celebratory event in downtown Kent.
The Promising Scholar Awards program was developed in an effort to attract and retain the strongest journalism and mass communication students in the nation, but the awards are much more than the traditional tuition scholarships. The program is designed to help facilitate a relationship between generous donors and recipients.
“One of the best things about the Promising Scholar Awards is not simply the fact that donors have provided funds to create these scholarships, it is the passion these donors have to help students succeed,” said JMC Director Thor Wasbotten. “Each one of these donors realized this is more than a donation that goes into some fund and is provided to a student they may never meet. The Promising Scholar Award is not that type of scholarship. These donors have committed to serving as a mentor or resource for these students—to help them navigate their education to best prepare for a successful career. I appreciate their dedication to our students.”
ɫҹ University President Beverly J. Warren stopped by the reception to speak with students and donors, as well as share her excitement about the recently announced Wallace J. Hagedorn gift, which will provide $3 million in scholarships to JMC photojournalism students.
“The effects of your generosity will be nothing short of life-changing — both personally and professionally — for our scholarship recipients,” Warren said. “That is especially true of this scholarship program, which will support students through mentoring as well as by lifting a financial burden. I have no doubt that your transformational gifts will also have a positive ripple effect on our recipients’ families, communities and professions. That is part of the immeasurable power of philanthropy in the realm of higher education.”
With the Promising Scholar Awards and other ɫҹ financial assistance programs, JMC has become one of the most affordable journalism schools in the nation. Scholarships are funded through the generosity of private donors, including alumni, media and communication industry leaders and members of JMC’s Professional Advisory Board.
Learn more about the Promising Scholar Awards and find out how to apply.