Dafna Lemish
Applications for the MCMA Student Emergency Scholarship Fund can now be found on the MCMA website. Simply click on the current students tab and then select ‘scholarships’ from the drop down menu. You will find pdf and word files for the SESF and other scholarships available to you.
The SESF was set up by MCMA Alumni to assist students who are experiencing temporary financial difficulties, in particular, those with Bursar bills between $500 and $1,500 that are preventing them from registering for classes.
The application is only two pages and simple to complete. Return applications to your academic advisor. You may also contact your academic advisor if you have questions.
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Twenty outstanding students in Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Department of Cinema and Photography recently earned scholarships and received awards for the 2010-2011 academic year.
The department is within the College of Mass Communication and Media Arts. The scholarships and awards total $14,500.
Here is a list of scholarship winners, by hometown. Where available, the listing contains the winner’s name, year in school, major, scholarship name, the amount, and a bit of background on the award.
Illinois
Bloomington: Hannah Russell, graduated December 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in photography. Charles Swedlund Award, $450. Established in honor of former professor Charles Swedlund, who taught at SIUC for 30 years. The award goes to an outstanding photography student.
Canton: Marcie Brewer, graduated in August 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in photography. C. William Horrell Memorial Award, $500. The award honors C. William Horrell, long-time faculty member and photography program founder. Presented to an outstanding undergraduate student for accomplishment in documentary photography and/or photojournalism in the past year. Brewer also has bachelor’s degrees in anthropology and linguistics.
Carbondale: Karen Kipp, senior, cinema. Richard Blumenberg Screenwriting Award, $1,000. The award honors the late Richard Blumenberg, a former professor in screenwriting in the department. The award is the result of a script competition where students submit feature-length scripts for judging by industry professionals. Kipp, who won for her script, “Osha,” also holds degrees in art and creative writing from Virginia Intermont University and a Master of Fine Arts in English from the University of Iowa.
Carlinville: Cory Fehrenbacher, senior, cinema. Liz Ralston Cinema Production Award, $750. Established by SIUC cinema alumnus Liz Ralston, the award goes to an outstanding student filmmaker for innovation accomplishment in the past year.
Chicago: Shardaria Johnson, senior, cinema, also majoring in radio-television. Minority Filmmaker Award, $250. Established by SIUC Cinema and Photography alum and Academy Award nominee Steve James, the award goes to an outstanding minority student in advanced courses in the cinema program to cover the costs of filmmaking.
Columbia: Darren Schroeder, senior, photography. Photography Outstanding Scholar Award, $500. Established to promote scholarly studies in area of photography history, theory and criticism.
Decatur: Wesley Powers, senior, photography. Robert Dennis Filmmaking Award, $750. Established by Robert Dennis, an alumnus of the Department of Cinema and Photography, the award is given to a student in the area of cinematography whose work is judged an outstanding expression of vision through the use of light.
Elmhurst: Samantha Sliwa, senior, photography. Loren Cocking Animation Award, $500. Established in honor of Loren Cocking, who taught film production and animation courses at the University from 1976 through 2002, the award goes to an outstanding student filmmaker for accomplishment in animation in the past year.
Hawthorn Woods: Robert Bachmann, sophomore, photography. Paul Harum Memorial Award, $500. Established in honor of Paul Harum, a photography student at SIUC who died in a motorcycle accident. The award was established in 1987, and goes to an undergraduate student for outstanding accomplishment in the past year.
Jacksonville: Joshua Reuck, senior, photography. David Gilmore Award, $900. The award goes to an outstanding photography student in the past year, and honors David Gilmore, a former department chair, who taught in the department for 32 years.
Monticello: Skye Peters, senior, cinema. Cinema Production Award, $250. The award goes to a student with a film project currently under way.
Oswego: Daniel Bowling, senior, photography, also majoring in industrial technology. Charles Swedlund Award, $450.
Roscoe: Danielle Williamson, senior, cinema. John C. Mercer Scholarship Award, $500. The award goes to outstanding cinema production students for their work in the past year, and honors the professor and founder of the University’s cinema program.
Round Lake Heights: John Anslow, junior, cinema. Cinema Outstanding Scholar Award, $250. The award goes to a cinema student for outstanding scholarly accomplishment in the past year.
Springfield: Sam Phillippe senior, photography. Photography Production Award, $500. The award goes to a student for outstanding accomplishment in photography in the past year.
Sumner: Jamie Schonaman, senior, photography. Mary Green Memorial Award, $500. The award honors Mary Greene, a photography student killed in a car accident in 1986, and goes to a student for outstanding accomplishment in photography.
Urbana: Shaheen Shorish, junior in cinema also majoring in philosophy. Minority Filmmaker Award, $250.
Winfield: Robert Kohler, junior, cinema. Cinema Production Award, $250.
Kentucky
Prospect: Susan Shircliff, senior, cinema. Cinema Outstanding Scholar Award, $250. Shircliff also has a bachelor’s degree in advertising from Murray State University.
Missouri
St. Louis: Mark Norris, senior, photography. Kodak Professional Imaging Award, $5,200. Presented to an outstanding student based on academic and professional excellence in the past year.
Ohio
Mentor: See Carbondale, Ill., award for Karen Kipp, who is originally from Mentor, Ohio.
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Non-traditional students at Southern Illinois University Carbondale can now apply for two scholarships available through the Student Development office.
The Piper-McMahan Endowed Scholarship and the Non-Traditional Student Service Activity Scholarship both carry $500 awards. The application deadline for both is 4 p.m. March 18.
The Piper-McMahan Endowed Scholarship award is for a full-time non-traditional SIUC sophomore, junior or senior who attended high school in Jackson County. The application must include an official transcript and two letters of reference, with one coming from a professor. Also, include a written statement offering highlights of campus involvement and community service, explaining financial need and stating how the scholarship will assist in meeting educational and career goals.
Any full-time, non-traditional undergraduate student now enrolled at SIUC is eligible for the student service activity scholarship. Applicants should provide an official transcript and two letters of reference with one coming from a professor. In addition, the application requires a written statement explaining how the applicant is non-traditional and stating educational goals and how the scholarship will help in achieving those goals.
Application forms are online at www.stddev.siu.edu by clicking on the “Non-Traditional Student Services” under the “Services” tab. You may also obtain an application form from Kristian Alton, graduate assistant, in the Student Development office on the third floor of the Student Center.
Submit completed application packets to the office, preferably in person, although mail applications can be submitted prior to the deadline at: Student Development Non-Traditional Student Services, Student Center, Room 305, Mail Code 4425, 1255 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, IL 62901.
For more information, call 618/453-5714 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
My name is Dylan Murphy, I'm from Effingham, Illinois and I'm a senior in the Photography program (Bachelor of Arts in Photography).
The reason that I chose photography was because it allows me to express myself in a creative way. While I still think I'm trying to figure out what it is that I like best, I think that I particularly am drawn to photographing people in various ways including fashion, surreal, narrative, I'm pretty all over the place. I like to draw the viewer in by creating a mood.
The reason that I chose SIU was because it was cheaper than my other options and it was a lot closer to home.
I'd have to say that my favorite classes here have been the Applied 1 and Applied 2 classes taught by Dan Overturf, the reasons being that the trips that we took to St. Louis and Chicago were very helpful and also fun.
We got to visit a lot of studios and meet other photographers and get feedback on our portfolios.
I'm a member of the Photogenesis group which is the student photography group here at SIU. We get together every week and discuss photography and put together events and they also do a show every year that we try to put together.
I've been in several exhibitions and some of the notable ones were a group show that me and a couple of other friends put together at Longbranch as well as the SPC Visual Arts Purchase Awards and I'm currently preparing for my first solo exhibition in August.
I've been lucky enough to receive a few scholarships here including the Paul Harum Memorial Award and the Kodak Professional Imaging Award.
Right now my plans for the future are still up in the air but I feel confident enough that I will be able to succeed in whatever it is that I decide to do.
I think that the most important thing is just work really hard at what you're doing and you'll get whatever you put into the program.
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale presented scholarships and awards to 25 outstanding students in the School of Journalism at recent award ceremonies.
Twenty-nine scholarships worth more than $19,600, along with several recognition awards, were presented at the annual awards banquet April 16 in the University's Communications Building. The School of Journalism is within the College of Mass Communication and Media Arts.
Here is a list of scholarship winners, by hometown. Where available, the listing contains the winner's name, year in school, major, scholarship name, and the amount.
Illinois
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Twenty-two outstanding students in Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Department of Cinema and Photography recently earned scholarships and received awards for the 2009-2010 academic year.
The department is within the College of Mass Communication and Media Arts. The scholarships and awards total $8,500.
Here is a list of scholarship winners, by hometown. Where available, the listing contains the winner's name, year in school, major, scholarship name, the amount, and a bit of background on the award.
SIU Alumni Association Scholarships Page
Scholarships offered through the SIU Alumni Association by various alumni groups. Deadlines vary.
Alongi Legacy Scholarship
The scholarship is sponsored by the family of John R. Alongi for graduating seniors and students in Perry County as well as employees of Alongi's.
Baker Family PCHS Scholarship
The scholarship is sponsored by an annual contribution from Nancy Baker Vallino for graduating seniors of Pinckneyville Community High School in Perry County.
Dr. Connie Armstrong Scholarship
The Dr. Connie Armstrong Legacy Scholarship will be available to students with sophomore status or higher to help pay for academic expenses. Preference will be given to students with children or disabilities from Perry County, Illinois or Caruthersville, Missouri.
Elizabeth Lewis Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is funded by gifts and the endowment created by the Lewis family to memorialize Mrs. Elizabeth Harris Lewis.¬
Jackson County Chapter Scholarship
The scholarship is funded by annual contributions and endowment created by Jackson County SIU Alumni for students graduating from an accredited high school in Jackson County.
Jackson County Family YMCA Scholarship
The scholarship is funded by an endowment created by the former Jackson County YMCA for students enrolled in a College of Education program who graduated from a Jackson County high school.
Legacy Scholarship
The Legacy Scholarship is set up to assist those students who have a relative that is an alumnus of Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Scholarship applicants who have a parent, grandparent, sibling, step-parent or legal guardian that is an SIU alumnus and has been an active member of the SIU Alumni Association for three of the past five years.
Rebecca and Jerry Kill Alumni Association Scholarship
This scholarship is funded by $20,000 donation from Liberty Mutual during the 2007 Coach of the Year awards presentation held on June 20, 2008 in conjunction with the Coach Kill Cancer Fund Golf Scramble.
Peoria/Tri-County Chapter Scholarship
The scholarship is funded by annual contributions made by Peoria/Tri-County SIU Alumni for students graduating from high school in Peoria, Tazewell, or Woodford Counties.
Perry County Chapter Scholarship
The scholarship is sponsored by annual contributions made by Perry County SIU Alumni for students graduating from an accredited Perry County high school.
R.J. Fligor Alumni Scholarship
Must be undergraduate student enrolled in the College of Education whose mother or father graduated from a program currently housed in the College of Education.
Randolph County Chapter Scholarship
The scholarship is funded by annual contributions from Randolph County SIU Alumni for students who are residents of Randolph County.
Roscoe Pulliam Memorial Scholarship
The scholarship is awarded to a child, grandchild, or sibling to an alumnus/na of SIUC who is a current member of the SIU Alumni Association.
St. Louis Chapter Scholarship
Funded by fund-raising efforts made by the St. Louis Chapter, these scholarships are awarded to deserving high school seniors who will be attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) upon graduation from high school.
Saline County Chapter Scholarship
The scholarship is funded by annual contributions from Saline County SIU Alumni for students graduating from a high school in Saline County or transfers from Southeastern Illinois College. All applicants shall be graduates from a high school within Saline County.
The Keith and Carol Sanders Alumni Scholarship
Students that are residents of Franklin County who are the child, spouse, or sibling of an alumnus/na of SIU who is a current member of the Alumni Association will be given preference.
Super Student Junior Scholarship
To qualify, students must have attained junior standing with at least a 3.5 GPA, be currently employed, and be active in at least two Registered Student Organizations.
Union County Chapter Scholarship
The scholarship is funded by annual contributions from Union County SIU Alumni for students graduating from a Union County high school.
Williamson County Chapter Scholarship
The scholarship is funded by annual contributions from Williamson County SIU Alumni for students graduating from a Williamson County high school.
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Now is the time to apply for a pair of Southern Illinois University Carbondale scholarship opportunities geared toward non-traditional students.
The Piper-McMahan Endowed Scholarship and the Non-Traditional Student Service Activity Scholarship, available through the Student Development Office at SIUC, each offer a $500 scholarship award. All applications for both scholarships are due by 4 p.m. March 19.
The Piper-McMahan Endowed Scholarship goes to a full-time non-traditional sophomore, junior or senior at SIUC who attended high school in Jackson County, Ill.  The application must include an official transcript, two letters of reference including one from a professor, and a written statement indicating financial need, highlighting community service and involvement and telling how the scholarship will assist in meeting educational and career goals.
The student service activity scholarship is open to any full-time undergraduate non-traditional student currently enrolled at the University.  The application requires an official transcript, two letters of reference with one coming from a professor, and a written statement telling how the applicant is non-traditional and defining educational goals and how the scholarship will help in achieving them.
To obtain an application form, contact Kristian Alton, graduate assistant, in the Student Development office on the third floor of the Student Center.  Completed application packets should be returned to the office, preferably by the applicant, although mail applications are accepted only until the submission deadline at this address:
Student Development Non-Traditional Student Services, Student Center, Room 305, Mail Code 4425, 1255 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, IL 62901.
For more information, call 618/453-5714 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Nearly $50,000 was brought in as part of a special fundraising event on Tuesday, Oct. 27, to endow a scholarship fund for deserving students associated with the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
The event honored Mike Lawrence, a veteran newsman, former press secretary to Gov. Jim Edgar and a noted political analyst who joined the institute in 1997 as associate director, and became director in 2004 following the death of founder and former U.S. Sen. Paul Simon.
"Our ability to raise this amount of money for scholarships for our students is a tribute to how people feel about Mike Lawrence and his lifetime commitment to excellence, good public policy, and to making a positive difference in the lives of others, especially young people," said institute Director David Yepsen. "Thanks to the generosity of so many friends and admirers of Mike, this fund will allow us to award at least one scholarship each year to a deserving student who shows promise as an engaged citizen."
Yepsen announced at the event another way donors and admirers could be a part of the scholarship -- by writing to the institute a note of how Lawrence influenced their lives that can be shared with the scholarship recipients each year.
"Some donors wrote personal notes sharing their feelings about Mike and his influence in their lives," said Yepsen. "Because that has made such an impact on me and others at the institute, I'm asking for all donors and friends to contribute their story of how Mike influenced them, whether they are a former student, a co-worker or an admirer of his work at the institute, in journalism or in government. Each year when we award the scholarship to a student, we will also hand them a copy of those stories so they can better know Mike Lawrence."
Lead gifts of $5,000 each were received from former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar and his wife Brenda; SIU alumnus and institute board member Jerome Mileur; interim SIUC Provost Don Rice and his wife Pru, who is associate vice chancellor for research and administration at the University; and Lawrence and his wife Marianne.
Lawrence is pleased the beneficiaries are students involved with the institute and its Student Ambassadors program, which helps host speakers and publicize events. In return for their volunteer service, the institute tries to provide students with direct access to the guest speakers, and events that offer insight into internships and how public policy is made.
"I'm proud of the commitment to diversity, equal opportunity and helping young people of all races realize their potential -- that is the core of our institute's mission," said Lawrence.
Donations to the scholarship fund are still being sought and received, according to institute associate director Matt Baughman.
"Our initial goal was to raise $50,000 for the scholarship fund," said Baughman. "Although that figure is within reach, we will continue to seek donations to build the scholarship fund in order to assist as many students as we can in Mike's name."
Scholarship guidelines state that the recipients can be either graduate or undergraduate students who are involved in a substantial number of institute programs, initiatives and other institute-related volunteer opportunities and who have demonstrated positive leadership qualities. Other factors, such as service to other parts of campus or community, special challenges overcome by the students or financial need may be considered. There is a preference that the students are active in the institute's Student Ambassador Program and that at least one scholarship is awarded each year to an African American student.
Contributions may be made online at www.paulsimoninstitute.org, by sending a check to the institute at 1231 Lincoln Dr., Mailcode 4429, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901 or by calling Baughman at 618/453-4001 to contribute using a credit card. Those who wish to send their stories about how Lawrence influenced their life can send it to the above address or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A scholarship established to honor Mike Lawrence, the former director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, will assist students in the institute's "Student Ambassador Program."
A fundraising reception and event is set for 6 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27, at The Warehouse at 17th Street Barbecue in Murphysboro. A brief program will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Lawrence retired as institute director in November. The veteran newsman, press secretary and political analyst joined the institute in 1997 as associate director, and became director in 2004 following the death of founder and former U.S. Sen. Paul Simon.
Several of Lawrence's friends suggested establishing a scholarship in his honor when Lawrence announced his retirement, institute Director David Yepsen said.
"I think it's a wonderful way to honor him for his years of service to the University, to Illinois and to his readers -- while helping worthy students at the same time," Yepsen said.
The annual scholarship is for members of the institute's Student Ambassador Program, with a preference for African American students. An early $5,000 commitment toward the goal of raising at least $50,000 for the scholarship endowment shows the deep level of respect that people have for Lawrence, said Matt Baughman, institute associate director.
"Mike has also had a long-time concern about the problems faced by young African Americans, so we'll especially be looking at providing support to them," Yepsen said.
Lawrence is honored the institute is establishing the scholarship, and pleased the beneficiaries are students involved with the institute. Student Ambassadors help host speakers and publicize events. In return for their volunteer service, the institute tries to provide students with direct access to the guest speakers, and events that offer insight into internships and how public policy is made, Lawrence said.
The Student Ambassadors range from freshmen to graduate students.
Lawrence said he stated a preference that African American students receive the scholarship "because diversity is something I have advocated and emphasized since I came to SIUC."
"I think we have done a good job of bringing diversity into the institute and I want to see that continue and even be expanded," he said.
Prior to joining SIUC, Lawrence was a press secretary and senior policy adviser to former Gov. Jim Edgar for more than six years. He also was press secretary to Edgar for more than three years while Edgar was Illinois' secretary of state. Lawrence's 25-year journalism career focused on Illinois state government and politics, and included a syndicated political column to more than 40 newspapers in Illinois.
"Over the years, Mike has been a real asset to SIU and to the state," Yepsen said. "He has worked as a respected journalist who crusades for good government. He has also worked as a top assistant to Gov. Jim Edgar, one of the most respected political figures in recent Illinois history. It's a testimony to Mike's integrity and ability that when Paul Simon went looking for someone to help him start his institute, he chose and recruited Mike."
Lawrence, who lives in rural Carbondale with his wife, Marianne, continues to write a column. He is teaching a journalism class on opinion, column and editorial writing. He also continues to mentor students and helps alumni with their careers.
Tickets for the reception are $100 apiece, and there are several other donation and sponsorship levels for the scholarship fund. Payments may be made by credit card, and checks should be made payable to the SIU Foundation. For more information, contact Baughman at 618/453-4001 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
For more information on how to contribute, visit paulsimoninstitute.org/.
SIU Foundation