Scholarships & Awards

There are a number of scholarships available to communication studies majors. All awards and scholarships are reserved for students who have declared majors or double majors in communication studies or BIS/IDIM majors with a concentration in communication studies. The descriptions of each of the communications studies awards are below.

There is a single application form for all department scholarships. You have to write a brief essay to address specific criteria that qualify you for each of the awards in the application. The application form is currently open and will close on March 15, 2024.

This application is only for awards/scholarships in the communication studies department. Students should also consider applying for college-wide scholarships and university-wide scholarships. These awards require separate applications and have different eligibility requirements and deadlines.

The Department of Communication Studies is not responsible for any tax implications. In some circumstances, because of a cap on students' financial aid packages, scholarship money may be used to defray student loans.

Award Descriptions

Donald V. Hawkins Undergraduate Scholars Awards

This award has been established to foster and support student excellence in undergraduate education in communication studies and to promote and strengthen the positive impact of the department on the state of Minnesota and the nation. If you receive this award, you will carry the special recognition of Donald V. Hawkins Scholar. To the extent possible, the Hawkins Scholarship will be utilized to support students pursuing an internship experience.

Value: Up to $5,000 per year. At least four scholarships are awarded each year.

Applicants for this award must:

  • Declare a major in communication studies
  • Be of junior or senior standing
  • Have a minimum 3.3 GPA
  • Write a personal essay (750 to 1250 words) stating academic and career goals, including statements of how present curricular and extracurricular activities relate to the fulfillment of these goals

William O. and Natalie Krauch Lund Endowed Scholarship in Communication Studies

In establishing this scholarship, Ms. Lund wishes to financially assist nontraditional undergraduate students earning a degree through CLA's Department of Communication Studies. Applicants must fulfill degree requirements through the study of public discourse, interpersonal communication, language and gender, small group communication, intercultural communication, and mass media studies. This scholarship may be renewed for more than one year if the recipient continues to meet the eligibility requirements. Scholarship money may be used to defray the costs of tuition or required textbooks.

Value: Up to $3,000 (1 or 2 awards may be given)

Applicants for this award must:

  • Enroll in the College of Liberal Arts
  • Declare a major in communication studies
  • Enroll as full-time students carrying 13 or more credits
  • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA within the major

The application letter should describe your career goals in your field of interest. Preference will be given to nontraditional students.

Arle and Billy Haeberle Undergraduate Award

This award honors Arle and Billy Haeberle, two of the Twin Cities' pioneer women in broadcasting.

Value: $2,000

Applicants for this award must:

  • Declare a major in communication studies OR have major concentrations in communication studies in IDIM, BIS, etc.
  • Complete at least 60 credits
    • Applicant must also complete nine additional units in communication studies classes
  • Have an overall GPA of at least 3.2
  • Not have completed a BA at the time of application
  • Be planning a career that involves electronic media
    • An applicant might plan to work for a radio, television, or internet media organization, or an independent production company, or an applicant might plan a career in broadcast research, media education, political advising, public relations, etc.

The application letter should describe your career goals, and you may wish to include examples of work you have done that is relevant to media studies. You may note financial need, but demonstrated need is not a necessary condition of the award.

Stuart A. Lindman Undergraduate Scholarship

Stuart A. Lindman, a former newscaster with several Twin Cities broadcasting stations, has honored our department by designating us as the home of the Stuart A. Lindman Scholarship Fund. This award is made possible through the generosity of Lindman's last employer, Gannett Broadcasting and KARE-TV.

Value: $2,000 (1 award may be given)

Applicants for this award must:

  • Declare a communication studies major OR have major concentrations in communication studies in IDIM, BIS, etc.
  • Complete at least 30 credits
    • Applicant must also complete nine additional units in communication studies classes
  • Have an overall GPA of at least 3.0
  • Be a Minnesota resident
  • Be planning a career that involves electronic media
    • An applicant might plan to work for a radio, television, or internet media organization, or an independent production company, or an applicant might plan a career in broadcast research, media education, political advising, public relations, etc.

The application letter should describe your career goals, and you may wish to include examples of work you have done that is relevant to media studies, inside or outside the university environment. You may note financial need, but demonstrated need is not a necessary condition of the award.

Nick Schoen III Undergraduate Scholarship

In 1999, Charles Schoen, acting for the Schoen family, established this prize to honor the memory of his brother, Nick Schoen III. Charles and Nick Schoen graduated from the University in the early 1960s and became businessmen in the Twin Cities. They found opportunities that they had not realized existed when they were students, but they also found that their education had prepared them well to adapt to changing circumstances and to succeed in their working lives. The Schoen family hopes to encourage students who are preparing for their futures. This award may be renewed for a second year.

Value: $2,000 (1 award may be given)

Applicants for this award must:

  • Declare a major in communication studies
  • Be full-time students in good academic standing
  • Have an overall GPA of at least 3.2
  • Not graduate before or during the semester in which the award is given

The application letter should describe your career goals in your field of interest. Funds may be used to defray the cost of tuition or books.