Scholarships and Awards

The Joan Louise Cunniff in Communication is awarded to a senior Communication major on the basis of academic standing and excellence in interpersonal skills. Joan Louise Cunniff was a teacher, and community leader, who made an indelible impression on all she touched. Wise and of good humor, she helped many grow and succeed along the way. Joan’s family and friends established this award to honor and remember her through the Department of Communications. Selections are made in junior year and awarded in senior year (monetary award).

Criteria: Please provide a concise explanation (500 words or less) as to why the candidate should be considered for the award that recognizes outstanding work in interpersonal communication through coursework, research, internships, and co-curricular or service experiences in the individual’s life. Provide specific examples that demonstrate the individuals understanding of interpersonal communication theory and praxis. 

Note: this award is given to a graduating senior only.

• 2024 Recipients – Katelyn Vargo
• 2023 Recipients -- Maria Coughlin, Constance Economus, Thalia Economus
• 2022 Recipient -- Samantha Goad
• 2021 Recipient -- Jacqueline Goldcamp
• 2020 Recipient – Anabelle Nietupski
• 2019 Recipient – Abigail Seelie
• 2018 Recipient – Haley Smith
• 2017 Recipient – Tyrell Davis
• 2016 Recipient – Brooke Weber
• 2015 Recipient – Kristen Gittinger
• 2014 Recipient – Rachel Friend
• 2013 Recipient – Brynne Deppas
• 2012 Recipient – Amanda Corsi
• 2011 Recipient – Maura Jochum

The Austin J. Freeley Debate Scholarship is awarded to recruit and retain outstanding debaters to maintain the strong tradition of the John Carroll debate teams.

Criteria: Please provide a concise explanation (500 words or less) as to why the candidate should be considered for the Austin J. Freeley Scholarship, featuring contributions to competitive debate at John Carroll University. Contributions can include competitive success, debate research, leadership, and involvement with on-campus debate opportunities. 

• 2024 Recipients – Tate Farinacci, Michael Walsh
• 2023 Recipients – Laken Kincaid, Sydnie Oakleaf, Michael Walsh
• 2021 Recipients – Laken Kincaid
• 2020 Recipients – Debra Cha, Aiden Keenan, Michael Roth
• 2019 Recipient – Meg Frankenberger
• 2018 Recipient – Zachary Zinda
• 2017 Recipient – Zachary Zinda
• 2016 Recipient – Zachary Zinda
• 2015 Recipients – Brigette Mendes, Austin Rivers
• 2014 Recipients – Brigette Mendes, Christopher Mitschow
• 2013 Recipients – Emily Stolfer, Noel Massarelli
• 2012 Recipients – Noel Massarelli, Emily Stolfer
• 2011 Recipients – Josh Brossmann, Will Butler

The Brossmann Family Award for Competitive Speaking is awarded to recruit and retain outstanding public speakers to maintain the strong tradition of the John Carroll speech team. 

Criteria: Please provide a concise explanation (500 words or less) as to why the candidate should be considered for the Brossmann Scholarship, featuring contributions to competitive speech at John Carroll University. Contributions can include competitive success, leadership, and involvement with on-campus public speaking opportunities. 

• 2024 Recipients – Sydnie Oakleaf, Katarina Cannata

The Fred H. McClure ’53 Scholarship for Promising Communication Majors is awarded to a rising junior communication major in the Tim Russert Department of Communication. The recipient(s) will be announced at the completion of the sophomore year, awarded during the junior year and renewed in the senior year, but limited to two years (monetary award toward tuition).

Criteria: Please provide a concise explanation (500 words or less) as to why Communication is the major you choose to pursue. The scholarship stipulates the students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and must be actively involved in at least one department experiential learning component. 

• 2024 Recipients – Kara Grose, Vic Jackson 
• 2023 Recipients – Laken Kincaid, Kara Grose 
• 2022 Recipients – Taylor Anthony, Laken Kincaid
• 2021 Recipients – Anna Meyer, Taylor Anthony
• 2020 Recipients – Gavyn Martin, Anna Meyer
• 2019 Recipients – Olivia Shackleton, Gavyn Martin
• 2018 Recipients – Sean Freeman, Olivia Shackleton
• 2017 Recipient – Sean Freeman
• 2016 Recipient – Anne Brennan
• 2015 Recipient – Joseph McCarthy
• 2014 Recipient – Thuy Le

The General Electric Scholarship is awarded to a senior communication major who has interest and ability in public relations. Selections are made in junior year and awarded in senior year. (Monetary Award toward tuition).

Criteria: Awarded to a rising senior who embodies the creativity, passion, and inventiveness required in the discipline of Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC). Student excels in any of the IMC disciplines including public relations, advertising, graphic design, or social media, as demonstrated through coursework, internships, co-curricular engagement, and other experiential learning components. Fulfilling the GE slogan “Imagination at Work,” the recipient has clear potential to shine brightly in this profession. Please provide a concise explanation (500 words or less) as to why the candidate should be considered for the General Electric Scholarship. Provide specific examples of how the individual fulfills the GE slogan “Imagination At Work”; the recipient has clear potential to shine brightly in this profession as demonstrated through coursework, internships, co-curricular engagement, and other experiential learning components. 

• 2024 Recipient – Kara Grose
• 2023 Recipients – Shaina Kuper, Katelyn Vargo
• 2022 Recipient – Carly DeArmit
• 2021 Recipient – Samantha Goad
• 2020 Recipient – Michael Ulishney
• 2019 Recipient – Tara Byrne
• 2018 Recipient – Julia Ruggerio
• 2017 Recipients – Chloe Slavin, Megan Stechler
• 2016 Recipient – Alexa Kempton
• 2015 Recipient – Gwendolyn Brassell
• 2014 Recipient – Ellen Dietrick
• 2013 Recipient – Lauren Cafarell
• 2012 Recipient – Alexis Gallo
• 2011 Recipient – Caitlin Cardosi

The James Breslin ’40/ WEWS Scholarship is awarded to a senior communication major who has had outstanding work in broadcast production, reflecting skill and development in the potential field of television and multimedia production. Selections are made in junior year and awarded in senior year (monetary award toward tuition).

Criteria: Completed at least 1 production-oriented digital media course, extra consideration for involvement with production/professional-oriented activities – JCT4, WJCU, PSSRA. Has demonstrated growing skill in one or more of the following areas; performance, writing, TV/multimedia production including visuals, assembly and audio. Please provide a concise explanation (500 words or less) as to why the candidate should be considered for the James Breslin ’40 / WEWS Scholarship for Media Production. 

• 2024 Recipient – Jenna Kieley
• 2023 Recipient – Stephen Claybaker
• 2022 Recipient – Taylor Anthony
• 2021 Recipient – Anna Meyer
• 2020 Recipient – Maria Knepshield
• 2019 Recipient – Maria Knepshield
• 2018 Recipient – Darrell Lane
• 2017 Recipient – Darren Mikus, Anna Artkowsky
• 2016 Recipient – Robin Goist
• 2015 Recipient – Matthew Hribar
• 2014 Recipient – Ashley Bastock
• 2013 Recipient – Andrew Ettinger
• 2011 Recipient – Jen Holton
• 2010 Recipient – James Burry

The Mary E. Beadle Scholarship is given to a communication major who has consistent participation of at least two semesters with one of the following student organizations: WJCU, JC-TV, Carroll News. The student demonstrated leadership in one of the three department organizations as listed above or a campus organization. Leadership includes formal roles as well as projects based within the organization. Applicant maintains a 3.0 GPA minimum overall and in the major. It is given to a junior for senior year. (Monetary award toward tuition). 

Criteria: Please provide a concise explanation (500 words or less) as to why the candidate should be considered for the Mary E. Beadle Scholarship in Communication. Provide specific examples of the individual's leadership in WJCU, JC-TV, or The Carroll News over at least two semesters. Leadership is defined as being an officer or in charge of an organizational project.  

• 2024 Recipient – Mackenzie Jackson, Jenna Kiely
• 2023 Recipient – Laken Kincaid
• 2022 Recipient – Taylor Anthony
• 2021 Recipient – Anna Meyer
• 2020 Recipient – Brandi Sutton
• 2019 Recipient – Sophia Maltese
• 2016 Recipient – Joseph McCarthy
• 2015 Recipient – Katelyn DeBaun

The Lee Andrews Memorial Broadcasters Scholarship is given in the senior year to a communication major who has contributed the most to WJCU and who seeks a career in radio. Selections are made in junior year and awarded in senior year. (Monetary Award toward tuition).

Criteria: Please provide a concise explanation (500 words or less) as to why the candidate should be considered for the Lee Andrews Memorial Broadcasters Scholarship that recognizes the communication major who intends to pursue a career in broadcasting, preferably radio, and has contributed the most to WJCU. The scholarship recognizes individuals who are dedicated to helping people, enjoy life, and excel at radio. Provide specific examples that demonstrate the ways the individual nominated meets these criteria. 

• 2024 Recipient – Mackenzie Jackson
• 2023 Recipient – Evan Richwalskly
• 2022 Recipient – Logan Potosky
• 2021 Recipient – Quinn Orloff
• 2020 Recipient – Brandi Sutton
• 2019 Recipient – Morgan Kuklinca
• 2018 Recipient – Will Blake
• 2017 Recipients – Rose Dolan, Robin Goist
• 2016 Recipients – Joe Ginley, Jane Kosko
• 2015 Recipients – Madison Baggett, Hailey Meinen
• 2014 Recipient – Dale Armbruster
• 2013 Recipient – Rachel Halle
• 2012 Recipient- Spencer German
• 2011 Recipients – Amanda Corsi, Howard Regal  

The Michael Mansmann ’01 Scholarship provides a scholarship to a student who is a communication major and has an interest in creative writing. Michael majored in communications and had a passion for writing. During his years on campus, he wrote for the Carroll News and he also crafted short stories and poems. Described as a sensitive but gregarious young man, Michael worked at an Irish pub, where he was reportedly perceived as having notable ability to engage the people he encountered with charm and anecdotes. Selections are made in junior year and awarded in senior year. (Monetary Award toward tuition).

Criteria: Please provide a concise explanation (500 words or less) as to why the candidate should be considered for the Michael Mansmann Award that recognizes student interest in creative writing, storytelling, and journalism. Provide specific examples that demonstrate excellence in the individual’s storytelling ability as evidenced through coursework, experiential learning, and internships.

• 2024 Recipient – Grace Sherban
• 2023 Recipient – Jenna Kieley
• 2022 Recipient – Georgia Lattas
• 2021 Recipient – Makayla Kampas
• 2020 Recipient – Natalia Pozuelo-Arbide, Kaitlin Ryan
• 2019 Recipient – Kathleen Mackey
• 2018 Recipient – Madison Mooney

The WJCU Bookstore Directors Award provides $500 Follett gift card a semester to students who have been actively involved with day-to-day operations at WJCU radio for at least two semesters prior to the time of application and demonstrate an academic standing of at least 3.0 GPA at the time of application. Applicants must submit a short essay outlining their career goals at the time of application. This award is for use in their senior year. (Monetary Award).

• 2024 Recipient – Mackenzie Jackson
• 2022 Recipient – Ashley McCall
• 2021 Recipient – Garrett Zabinski
• 2020 Recipient – Noah Tylutki
• 2019 Recipient – Zachary Barr
• 2018 Recipient – Will Blake, Caylan Fazio
• 2017 Recipient – Madeline Corbitt, Rose Dolan
• 2016 Recipients – Monica Angelotti, Shanice Winston
• 2015 Recipient – Joseph Ginley, Jane Kosko, Karly Kovac
• 2014 Recipients – Amanda Farinelli, Hailey Meinen, David Schillero
• 2013 Recipients – Dale Armbruster, Rebecca Ferlotti, Benedict Toth
• 2012 Recipients – Matthew Crow, Nehemiah Jackson, Scott McMillen

The Florence B. and Lawrence M. Druckenbrod Jr. Endowed Scholarship is given for the junior or senior year to a communication major who has completed or is enrolled in COM 3051 Communication Ethics and has the highest grade for the course. Participants must be graduating December 2025 or later.

The scholarship is awarded through COM 3051 Communication Ethics. There is no nomination for this award.

• 2024 Recipients – Lauren Keep, Anna Kerensky
• 2023 Recipient -- Constance Economus
• 2022 Recipient -- Constance Economus
• 2021 Recipient -- Kendra Keene
• 2020 Recipient – Maria Knepshield
• 2019 Recipient – Meghan Conley, Hannah Fries
• 2018 Recipient – Rose Dolan
• 2017 Recipient – Megan Stechler
• 2016 Recipient – Angelica Bucci
• 2015 Recipient – Meghan Ellrich
• 2014 Recipient – Ashley Bastock
• 2013 Recipient – Taylor Horen
• 2010 Recipient – Anna Schade

Established in her memory by her family and friends, the Kathryn Dolan Communication Memorial Scholarship provides financial aid to a graduating senior communication major who has contributed to department goals and programs (monetary award). 

• 2024 Recipient – Emily Cervenka
• 2023 Recipient – Logan Potosky
• 2022 Recipient – Aiden Keenan
• 2021 Recipient – Morgan Jochum
• 2020 Recipient – Jenna Noce
• 2019 Recipient – Kelly Fichtner
• 2018 Recipient – Janessa Brickman
• 2017 Recipient – Ciara Crossey
• 2016 Recipient – Caroline Tighe
• 2015 Recipient – Rachel Distler
• 2014 Recipient – Emily Stolfer
• 2013 Recipient – Joshua Brossmann
• 2012 Recipient – Amanda Corsi
• 2011 Recipient – Duchess Adjei

The Patti J. Rosenfeld Endowed Scholarship in Communication is awarded annually to a full-time, rising senior majoring in communication who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement and demonstrates financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid. (Monetary Award toward tuition). 

• 2024 Recipients – Not Awarded
• 2023 Recipients – Emily Davala, Alexa Flauto
• 2022 Recipients – Emily Davala, Alexa Flauto
• 2021 Recipient – Autumn Hale, Kaitlin Ryan
• 2020 Recipient – Samantha Ubalde-Fay
• 2019 Recipient – Jenna Noce
• 2018 Recipient – Alexia Keller, Kelly Yurick
• 2017 Recipient – Dana Ilacqua, Lauren Morgan, Haley Smith
• 2016 Recipient – Peter Hopkins
• 2015 Recipient – Angelica Bucci
• 2014 Recipients – Courtney Radtkin, Karyn Adams
• 2013 Recipient – Maura Stewart
• 2012 Recipient – Brian Bayer
• 2011 Recipient – Carrie Vollentine

The Plain Dealer Scholarship provides financial assistance to a rising senior who demonstrates an interest in print/online journalism, human resources, or an entrepreneurial effort related to public media or business management, and is a current resident of Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, Portage, Summit, Medina, or Lorain counties. Candidates must demonstrate financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid. (Monetary Award toward tuition). 

• 2024 Recipient – Not Awarded
• 2023 Recipient – Grace Sherban
• 2022 Recipient – Logan Potoskly
• 2021 Recipient – Nicolette Noce
• 2020 Recipient – Ella Schuellerman
• 2019 Recipient – Olivia Shackleton
• 2018 Recipient – Edward Marotta
• 2017 Recipient – Julie Hullett
• 2016 Recipients – Laura Bednar, Mary Frances McGowan
• 2015 Recipient – Joseph Ginley
• 2014 Recipient – Alexandra Higl
• 2013 Recipients – Zachary Mentz, Ryllie Danylko
• 2012 Recipients – Daniel Cooney, Brian Bayer
• 2011 Recipient – Dan Cooney

The Outstanding Senior Award is given to an outstanding graduating communication major who has been heavily involved in at least two areas of the major. 

Criteria: Please provide a concise explanation (500 words or less) as to why the candidate should be considered for the Outstanding Senior Award, featuring contributions to two or more experiential learning programs within the department (The Carroll News, JCU Studios, Lambda Pi Eta, PRSSA, Society for Professional Journalists, Speech & Debate, WJCU).

2024 Recipient – Laken Kincaid 2023 Recipients – Taylor Anthony, Logan Potosky 2022 Recipient – Anna Meyer 2021 Recipient – Rachel Scully 2020 Recipient –  Meg Frankenberger 2019 Recipient – John Tucci 2018 Recipient – John Alfes 2017 Recipient – Joseph McCarthy 2016 Recipient – Joseph Ginley 2015 Recipient – Alexandra Higl 2014 Recipient – Dale Armbruster 2013 Recipient – Brian Bayer 2012 Recipient – Matthew Crow 2010 Recipient – Craig Willert

This award is given to the communication major who has contributed the most in ideas, leadership, and effort to the campus chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Criteria: Please provide a concise explanation (500 words or less) as to why the candidate should be considered for the SPJ Award. Provide specific examples of the individual’s contributions in the areas of ideas, effort, and leadership to the campus chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

• 2024 Recipient – Laken Kincaid
• 2022 Recipient – Anna Meyer
• 2020 Recipient – Sophia Maltese
• 2019 Recipient – Sophia Maltese
• 2018 Recipient – Julie Hullett
• 2017 Recipient – Mary Frances McGowan
• 2016 Recipient – Katelyn DeBaun
• 2014 Recipient – Alexandra Higl
• 2013 Recipient – Rachelle Halle

This award is given to a graduating fourth-year student with an exceptional e-portfolio that showcases his or her experiences in the Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) concentration. The e-portfolio must be “best in class” in terms of a distinctive and professional on-line presence. The content of the portfolio will demonstrate depth and breadth, showing relevant representation of work accomplished in class and through experiential learning including participation in co-curricular programs and clubs, internships, or other similar learning opportunities where the student has had the chance to participate in the development of the marketing communication materials.

Criteria: Please provide a concise explanation (500 words or less) as to why the candidate should be considered the top IMC Student/most creative in the Russert Department. Please include how the individual demonstrates depth and breath in the field, and show relevant representations of work accomplished in class and through experiential learning. This can include participation in co-curricular programs and clubs, internships, or other similar learning opportunities.

• 2024 Recipient – Evan Richwalsky
• 2023 Recipient – Maria Coughlin
• 2022 Recipient – Noelle Byrne
• 2020 Recipient – Molly Killeen, Olivia Stein
• 2019 Recipient – Katie O'Connell
• 2018 Recipient – Chloe Slavin

The Academic Excellence Award is given to the graduating senior with the highest overall grade point average. 

• 2024 Recipient – Katelyn Vargo
• 2023 Recipients – Constance Economus,Thalia Economus,Timothy Flannery, Logan Potosky
• 2022 Recipient – Aiden Keenan
• 2021 Recipient – Maria Knepshield, Sophia Maltese, Brandi Williams
• 2020 Recipient – Jenna Noce
• 2019 Recipient – Mariella van der Sluijs
• 2018 Recipient – Janessa Brickman
• 2017 Recipient – Emily Mastroianni
• 2016 Recipients – Gwendolyn Brassell, Thuy Le
• 2015 Recipient – Ashley Bastock
• 2014 Recipient – Lisa Perry
• 2013 Recipient – Joshua Brossmann
• 2012 Recipients – Jennifer Holton, Howard Regal
• 2011 Recipient – Taylor Nagy

The Dean’s Debate Cup award is given to an outstanding novice (first-year) debater. 

• 2024 Recipient – Not Awarded
• 2023 Recipient – Tate Farinacci, Sarah Foster
• 2022 Recipient – Michael Walsh
• 2021 Recipient – Laken Kincaid
• 2020 Recipient – Michael Roth
• 2019 Recipient – Deborah Cha
• 2018 Recipient – Kyle Gateson
• 2017 Recipient – Mariella van der Sluijs
• 2015 Recipients – Anthony Iacono, Austin Rivers
• 2014 Recipients – Christopher Mitschow, Brigette Mendes
• 2013 Recipients – Christopher Mitschow, Jeremy Himmelright
• 2012 Recipients – Noel Massarelli, Emily Stolfer

The President’s Debate Cup award is given to an outstanding debater based on level of competition and contributions to the team.

• 2024 Recipient – Katarina Cannata
• 2023 Recipient – Laken Kincaid
• 2022 Recipient – Laken Kincaid
• 2021 Recipient -- Debra Cha
• 2020 Recipient – Debra Cha
• 2019 Recipient – Zachary Zinda
• 2018 Recipient – Zachary Zinda
• 2017 Recipient – Zachary Zinda
• 2016 Recipients – Brigette Mendes, Zachary Zinda
• 2015 Recipients – Brigette Mendes, Christopher Mitschow
• 2014 Recipients – Emily Stolfer, Noel Massarelli
• 2013 Recipients – Emily Stolfer, Noel Massarelli
• 2012 Recipients- Joshua Brossmann, Shannon Parker
• 2011 Recipients – Will Butler, Joshua Brossmann

The Outstanding Speaker in Forensics award is given to an outstanding speaker in intercollegiate speech competitions. 

2024 Recipient – Laken Kincaid 2023 Recipient – Sydnie Oakleaf 2022 Recipient – Sydnie Oakleaf 2021 Recipient – Max Malley, Sara Sfeir 2020 Recipient – Meg Frankenberger 2019 Recipient – Meg Frankenberger 2018 Recipient – Meg Frankenberger 2017 Recipients – Adil Abdulahi, Soorya  Paremeswaran

The Alan R. Stephenson Scholarship was awarded junior year to a communication major who had a special interest in television, radio, or mass media, and demonstrated satisfactory progression toward degree completion within four years (monetary award toward tuition).

Criteria: This scholarship reflects personal advancement in the philosophy, art, and craft of video & multimedia production via demonstration of their ability to generate a quality finished work, suitable for public release. Students show production quality through storytelling, visuals, assembly, audio and reflect the values of Tim Russert Department of Communication, including one or more of the following: excellence, relevance, service, justice. Please provide a concise explanation (500 words or less) as to why the candidate should be considered for the Alan R. Stephenson Scholarship in Communication. Provide specific examples of the individual’s work that reflects personal advancement in the philosophy, art, and craft of video & multimedia production.

• 2020 Recipient – Alexander Rowe
• 2019 Recipient – Nathan Statt
• 2018 Recipient – Madison Mooney
• 2017 Recipient – Leah Brady
• 2016 Recipient – Rachel Vadja
• 2015 Recipient – Thomas Manning
• 2014 Recipient – David Schillero
• 2013 Recipient – Gabriella Kreuz
• 2012 Recipient- Curtis Walker
• 2011 Recipient – Howard Regal  

This award was given to a graduating senior who displayed outstanding leadership and achievement in more than one area of theatre.

• 2018 Recipient – Dylan Regan
• 2017 Recipient – Vonica Zielinski
• 2015 Recipients – Marie Bshara, Robin Weaver
• 2014 Recipient – Emily Stolfer
• 2013 Recipient – Sara Abbott
• 2011 Recipient – Ali Karolczak

This award was given to a rising senior in the communication major who was active in PRSSA and demonstrated extraordinary commitment to public relations (monetary award toward tuition).

• 2017 Recipient – Janessa Brickman
• 2016 Recipient – Megan Stechler
• 2014 Recipient – Nina Garcia-Wasnich
• 2013 Recipient – Alyssa Giannirakis
• 2010 Recipient – Megan Abraham

Awarded to a rising senior in the communication major who had significantly contributed to JCU Theatre. Selections were made in junior year and awarded in senior year. (Monetary Award toward tuition).

• 2018 Recipient – Marcello Hernandez
• 2017 Recipient – Dylan Regan
• 2016 Recipient – Vonica Zielinski
• 2014 Recipients – Robin Weaver, Amanda Farinelli
• 2013 Recipient – Emily Stolfer
• 2012 Recipients – Sara Abbott, Brendan Hancock
• 2011 Recipient – Brian Devers

A subscription to one of the communication journals was awarded to a communications graduate student who demonstrated commitment to the discipline and an excellent academic performance.

• 2016 Recipient – Dale Armbruster
• 2015 Recipient – Kasey Foley
• 2014 Recipient – Tea Kokhreidze
• 2013 Recipient – Howard Regal
• 2012 Recipient – Peter Honsberger
• 2011 Recipient – Angie Weimer

This award was given to a student who displayed superior achievement in acting, directing, design, or management.

• 2018 Recipient – Laura Matteo, Alexandra Montesano
• 2017 Recipient – Kimberley Rutherford
• 2016 Recipients – Jacqueline DiFrangia, Nathaniel Marugg
• 2015 Recipients – Amanda Farinelli, Jacqueline Uhlik
• 2014 Recipient – Luke Hearty
• 2013 Recipients – Brendan Hancock, Margaret McPhee
• 2012 Recipients – Brian Devers, Daniel Simpson
• 2011 Recipient – Taylor Nagy