Student Awards

Every year, the Department of Communication Studies recognizes COMM majors who are outstanding students or department citizens with several scholarships.

In the Fall semester, students are asked to self-nominate (the application period is typically October 1- October 31). Application materials are reviewed and awards are announced by the end of the term, with awards disbursed at the beginning of Spring semester.

The department recognizes awardees and all our majors for their hard-earned achievements, dedication to their COMM programs, extracurricular activities, and more at an end-of-year celebration.

Check back for more information about our Spring 2025 Awards Ceremony and End of Year Celebration. All COMM majors are welcome. Family and friends of award recipients are also cordially invited!

2025 Awards:

Millage Scholarship for Juniors Majoring in Communication Studies

The Millage scholarships honor Heather McFadden Millage by supporting students who exemplify her passion for life, people and communication. Applicants must be communication studies majors who have completed at least 60 and no more than 89 units. Students who received a department scholarship last spring will not be considered this year. The reward amount for this scholarship is $1,500.

Applicants will be asked to provide their Overall GPA and a response to the following question: In at least 300 words and no more than 500 words, share how you plan to use your communication studies degree, and what you have learned about communication to make a difference in the world.

Millage Scholarship for Seniors Majoring in Communication Studies

The Millage scholarships honor Heather McFadden Millage by supporting students who exemplify her passion for life, people and communication. Applicants must be communication studies majors who have completed 90 units but not yet graduated. Students who received a department scholarship last spring will not be considered this year. The reward amount for this scholarship is $3,000.

Sproule Excellence in Research and Creative Activity Scholarship

Established by Professor Emeritus J. Michael Sproule and Dr. Betty Sproule to recognize outstanding student research and creative activities. Applicants must be communication studies majors who have completed 90 units but not yet graduated. Graduate students are eligible. Students who received a department scholarship last spring will not be considered this year. The reward amount for this scholarship is $1,000.

Applicants will be asked to provide their Overall GPA and a response to the following question: In at least 400 words and no more than 600 words, describe a research project that you have completed in one of your Communication Studies classes. The project could be from any of your COMM classes and might involve, for example, data collection and analysis, interviews, interpretation of a text, image, or cultural artifact, or presentation of research through a performance or applied activity. What did you discover through your research? What made your project notable? What would be a possible future step for someone continuing your work?

COMM Emeritus Faculty Scholarship

This award honors retiring faculty with a scholarship for an outstanding graduating senior (graduating in Spring 2025.) The reward amount for this scholarship is $1,000.

Applicants will be asked to provide their Overall GPA and a response to the following question: In at least 300 words and no more than 500 words, describe what sets you apart from other COMM majors in terms of specific academic, civic, and community accomplishments.

Minnie Carr Excellence in Service Scholarship

Established by the department’s fourth chair, Dr. Marie Carr, in memory of her mother to recognize graduating seniors who have performed significant service to our department. Applicants must be communication studies majors who have completed 90 units but not yet graduated. Students who received a department scholarship last spring will not be considered this year. The reward for this scholarship is $1,000.

Applicants will be asked to provide their Overall GPA and a response to the following question: In at least 300 words and no more than 500 words, describe your impact on the Department of Communication Studies. How have you made a difference to other Communication students, faculty, and/or staff? What makes your service to the COMM department significant, notable, exceptional, and/or compelling?

Shannon Doyle Award for Study Abroad

Shannon Doyle was a COMM Professor and an enthusiastic world traveler who took enormous pleasure in exploring new places around the globe. Shannon was also a dedicated teacher, committed to the success of her students. This scholarship, established in Shannon's honor, is awarded to an SJSU student embarking on a study abroad program. Preference will be given to applicants majoring in Communication Studies. The reward for this scholarship is $1,000.

Applicants will be asked to provide their overall GPA and a response to the following question: In at least 300 words and no more than 500 words, describe how you intend to apply your study abroad experiences towards your personal and/or professional goals. Submissions will be evaluated based on clarity and specificity.

Outstanding Graduate Student

The recipient of this award is recognized for academic achievement. Nominees should exemplify academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and demonstrate progress made toward compelling scholarly contributions, for example, through conference presentations, publications, research assistantships, participation in the Grad Slam, etc. Nominees should also model collegiality toward peers and faculty, such as respect for different forms of scholarship and diverse styles of learning and teaching, and creative ways of applying scholarly work for the benefit of others. The reward for this scholarship is $1,000.

Applicants will be asked to provide their Overall GPA and a response to the following question: In at least 400 words and no more than 600 words, describe how your graduate work demonstrates your scholarly achievements and potential, as well your positive engagement with members of the department.

Outstanding Graduate Citizen

The recipient of this award is recognized for their exceptional level of engagement with the program, department, and university in ways that strengthen our community. This includes leading or participating in MA Program events and initiatives, service to the department, and activities that promote collaboration and engagement with all members of the university. The reward for this scholarship is $1,000.

Applicants will be asked to provide their Overall GPA and a response to the following question: In at least 400 words and no more than 600 words, describe the activities that demonstrate your positive impact on the program, department, and/or the broader SJSU community.

APPLY HERE

URL link: https://forms.gle/sdAszw6aGt2whARR8