JOURNALISM SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED D.C. AREA COLLEGE STUDENTS
WASHINGTON (May 1, 2020) — Five aspiring journalists at Washington, D.C.-area universities have been selected to receive scholarships from the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation of Washington, D.C. (SDX/DC) for the 2020-21 academic year.
The SDX/DC scholarships, totaling $20,000, are funded by contributions from members of the Washington, D.C., Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ DC Pro), support from the Gridiron Club and Foundation, and individual gifts to SDX/DC from journalism education advocates.
Two recipient students are from the University of Maryland, and one each is from Howard University, Northern Virginia’s George Mason University and Marymount University. They were selected by a committee of journalists from a pool of area students who applied for the scholarships. Based on their applications, finalists were interviewed by the panel and questioned about their aspirations, journalism ethics, the First Amendment and related topics.
“Journalism needs well-trained practitioners today, more than ever,” SDX/DC President Reginald Stuart said in announcing the selections. “We hope the students we have selected will be able use this financial aid to reach their aspirations to continue helping our society appreciate and understand the value of a strong free press.”
The 2020-21 SDX/DC scholars are: Kevin McNulty, a junior at the University of Maryland; Jasmine Boykin, a junior at the University of Maryland; Donovan Thomas, a junior at Howard University; Cayla Cade, a sophomore at George Mason University; and Lauren Galdeano, a senior at Marymount University.
The $4,000 scholarship awarded to McNulty includes a $1,000 award given annually by past SDX/DC scholarship recipient Ira R. Allen. His award is designated for a University of Maryland student focused on reporting and writing for print and digital media.
Parts of the $4,000 awards to Thomas and Cade are provided by the Gridiron Club and Foundation, which designated its support in honor of the late journalist B.J. Cutler, who wrote and edited for years for Scripps Howard Newspapers and The International Herald Tribune.
In addition to Scholarship Committee Chair Darlene Superville and Stuart, Scholarship Committee members for 2020-21 were SDX/DC board members John C. Henry, Frank Quine, Amy Fickling and Evelyn Hsu.
SDX/DC is a non-profit journalism foundation founded more than 50 years ago by the Washington, D.C., Pro Chapter of Sigma Delta Chi, now the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ).
Questions: (301) 879 – 0085 or (202) 258 – 2651
More info: sdxdc.org
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