Scholarships

Thanks to the generosity of alumni and supporters, the Department of Communication Studies awards a variety of scholarships to top students each spring. Eligible students can apply for most scholarships by filling out a single application form. A committee evaluates the applications, and awards are presented late in the spring semester.  The deadline for scholarship applications is March 22, 2013.

Scholarship Application Form(pdf)

Betty Lou Balasi Scholarship – Established in 2004 by the family of Betty Lou Balasi in recognition of her many years of service to the department. This award is given annually to either an undergraduate (junior or senior) or graduate student majoring in communication who demonstrates Betty's enthusiasm toward the university and the department, is an active supporter of university and departmental activities and embodies the many qualities that endeared Betty Lou Balasi to the students and faculty of the department.

Raymond L. And Carolyn Miller Fischer Scholarship – Established in 1988, this award is given by two Eastern Illinois University 1987 Distinguished Alumnus Award recipients. The award is presented in alternate years to the most promising sophomore student specializing in history and criticism in the Department of Communication Studies or English literature in the Department of English.

Kenneth Hadwiger Scholarship - Established in 2008 by Professor Emeritus Kenneth Hadwiger. This award is given to a communication studies major in good academic standing. Preference is given to sons or daughters of current communication studies faculty members who have taught in the department for two years and have a Ph.D. Financial need is not a consideration.

Christine and Larry Helsel Public Relations Scholarship - Established in 2007 by Professor Emeritus Christine Helsel. This scholarship is awarded to an Illinois resident enrolled full-time at Eastern Illinois University and majoring in communication studies with an option in public relations. Recipients must have a 3.2 GPA and demonstrate interest or commitment in PRSSA. An essay on why the applicant wishes to pursue public relations is required as part of the scholarship application. Financial need is a consideration in making this award.

Jon J. Hopkins Memorial Speech Education Scholarship – Established in 1987 in recognition of the lifetime commitment to education and years of dedicated service to Eastern Illinois University by the late Jon J. Hopkins, professor of speech, this is a scholarship in the field of rhetoric, public address or speech education.

Carol A. Manhart Scholarship - Established in 1996 by friends and family of Carol Manhart, an EIU alumnus and instructor, this scholarship is given to a communication studies student with a strong academic record. Preference will be given to graduates of Stewardson-Strasburg High School. Financial need is a consideration and undergraduate or returning graduate students are eligible for this award.

Ralph Y. McGinnis Scholarship - Established in 1992 by the Lions Club, family, friends, colleagues and students of former faculty member Ralph Y. McGinnis, this award goes to an undergraduate or graduate student majoring in communication studies. Community service work is also a consideration.

Jack L. Payan Scholarship - Established in 1994 by Jack L. Payan, this scholarship is presented to a community college transfer student enrolling at Eastern Illinois University as a communication studies major. Preference will be given to students transferring from Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Heights, Ill., or South Suburban Community College in South Holland, Ill.

John E. And Mary J. Price Scholarship – Established in 1993 by Margaret J. Weber and Gary E. Price, this scholarship goes to a sophomore, junior or senior majoring in communication studies or family and consumer sciences with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Recipients must be Illinois residents. Financial need is a consideration. This award alternates between communication studies and family and consumer sciences each year.

J. Glenn Ross Scholarship (Formerly the Ralph W. Widener Jr. Scholarship) - Established in 1984 by Mrs. Ralph W. Widener Sr., the scholarship honors J. Glenn Ross Ph.D., who served as chair of the EIU Department of Speech from 1937 through 1961. This award is presented annually to a sophomore, junior or senior undergraduate student in communication studies who demonstrates academic excellence and promise of future success.

Other Scholarships

Three scholarships are awarded through special selection procedures:

Al and Vesta Rundle Scholarship – Established by friends and family of former faculty member Al Rundle, this award is given to a full-time art major, music major or communication studies major. The recipient must have an overall GPA of 3.5. Financial need is a consideration, but not a requirement. This scholarship is coordinated by the College of Arts and Humanities Office.  For more information, call their office at 217-581-2917.

Fashing Speech Scholarship – Established in 2006 by communication studies alumnus Colleen Fashing, this awards supports a student who demonstrates strong public speaking skills and an ability to connect current events to a future career. The student receiving the scholarship must complete a manuscript connecting a current event with a future impact on a career and then present a speech to a faculty panel.

Illinois Broadcasters Association Scholarship – Established by the Illinois Broadcasters Association in 2005 to support outstanding students in broadcasting, the award is given annually to a full-time junior or senior majoring in communication studies or journalism and planning to pursue a career in broadcasting. The student shall demonstrate talent, commitment, excellence and professional ambition in broadcasting. A separate application form is required. For more information, contact Mike Bradd at mbradd@eiu.edu.

Awards

Each Spring, the Department of Communication Studies honors some of the top students in the department at the annual Awards Banquet.  Awards include:

  • Outstanding Senior:  Based on academic achievement and involvement in department and university activities.
  • Outstanding Junior:  Based on academic achievement and involvement in department and university activities.
  • Outstanding Lab Assistant:  Based on contributions to the Hadwiger Computer Lab.
  • Inspired Achievement Award:  Presented to a Junior or Senior who has overcome adversity and/or achieved significant accomplishments in their program of study.  Students may nominate themselves or be nominated by a faculty member. 

Inspired Achievement Award Application Form  (.pdf)