Celebrating Scholarships

by Emily Ko

As the cost of college has increased, some students may be forced to compromise their educational goals because of financial restraints. Both schools in the College of Mass Communications and Information Studies award many scholarships to alleviate tuition for some, and make college education at all viable for others.

Chantelle Lytle, a senior public relations major from Charlotte, says scholarships are what make her education at the University of South Carolina possible. She has received both the School of Journalism and Mass Communications scholarship and the Public Relations Student Society of America scholarship for her four years in college. Thanks to her scholarships, she receives in-state tuition and money to pay for loans and financial aid.

“Without these scholarships, my family and I would not be able to afford the cost of out-of-state tuition at the University. Thanks to the scholarships I’ve received from the School of Journalism and Mass Communications, I’ve earned an exceptional education while being relieved of substantial financial obligations,” Lytle said.

Scholarships allow Lytle to excel at the university where she serves as president of USC’s chapter of PRSSA. With some financial burdens alleviated, the high ac

hiever is also broadening her options for her future beyond USC, aiming to enroll in law school.

For the 2009-2010 school year, SJMC awarded 196 students a total of $122,600 from 49 scholarship funds. The School gave 181 scholarships of $500 and 15 scholarships ranging from $1,000-$6,000. The School of Library and Information Science awarded 14 scholarships to 26 students this year. The dollar amounts range from $250 to

$3,000, equaling $16,509.

Many of these scholarships are awarded to freshmen and are renewed for all four years of the students’ collegiate careers. Because students keep their scholarships, one student per class represents each scholarship.

Because the SLIS undergraduate program is new, most of its scholarship recipients are graduate students. Dr. Sam Hastings, SLIS director, says she is eager to see the number of undergraduate scholarships grow.

Bethany McGowan received the Cooper-Davis Fellowship from SLIS and credits the experience for transforming her academic career.“In addition to financial assistance, it has granted me the opportunity to work in an academic library, allowing me to enhance my professional skills and put book knowledge into practice,” McGowan said. “I am also a more competitive applicant in other endeavors because of the fellowship. It is an extraordinary experience that I am truly grateful for.”

Carolyn Delton, SLIS administrative coordinator, recognizes the impact scholarships make. “A scholarship can make the difference in whether or not a student comes to USC for his or her degree. In a highly competitive environment, everything we can do to help our students is important and scholarships are the most productive method,” she said.

Schools create close relationships with their scholarship recipients, producing alumni who use their degrees to make an impact in their professional fields. When alumni provide scholarships to current undergraduate students, they foster a tradition of giving back to the Carolina community. Whether the scholarships help pay for a semester’s books or provide funds for a portion of tuition, they enrich the education of deserving students.

When other financial resources run dry, both schools do their best to offer financial support for families. Lytle, for one, appreciates the help.

“I feel immense gratitude to the J-school, as I’m certain my scholarships have been a motivating force in my desire to succeed at the University,” Lytle said.