2024 Scholarship Recipients
Stan Bond Scholarship
Josie Golka - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Josie is an advertising and public relations major with plans to graduate in May 2026.
Josie is an orientation leader for new student enrollment, was a DREAMBIG Academy
mentor and is involved with PRSSA. Josie is active with Chi Omega sorority and is an
AIM mentor with the Clifton Strengths Institute. Josie has also been a news reporter
for The Daily Nebraskan, reporting on the minimum wage, presidential politics and
voter ID.
Josie is an advertising and public relations major with plans to graduate in May 2026.
Josie is an orientation leader for new student enrollment, was a DREAMBIG Academy
mentor and is involved with PRSSA. Josie is active with Chi Omega sorority and is an
AIM mentor with the Clifton Strengths Institute. Josie has also been a news reporter
for The Daily Nebraskan, reporting on the minimum wage, presidential politics and
voter ID.
John F. Davis Scholarships
Susanna Hernandez - Creighton University
The junior from Miami, Florida, is majoring in journalism on the public relations track
and minoring in graphic design. She has been an officer with Creighton PRSSA and is
currently the social media intern for Creighton University Communications and an events intern for TRIO SSS. This summer, she will be working as the 2024 Creative Service Intern for NBCUniversal. In her spare time, she enjoys writing and editing books.
The junior from Miami, Florida, is majoring in journalism on the public relations track
and minoring in graphic design. She has been an officer with Creighton PRSSA and is
currently the social media intern for Creighton University Communications and an events intern for TRIO SSS. This summer, she will be working as the 2024 Creative Service Intern for NBCUniversal. In her spare time, she enjoys writing and editing books.
Shelby Rickert - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The sophomore native of Beaver City, Nebraska, is majoring in journalism with a
minor in political science. Shelby has contributed to the Nebraska News Service as
a reporter and a student lead, writing, reporting, and helping curate a curriculum for
other students. She previously worked at The Daily Nebraskan student paper and the
Valley Voice newspaper in Cambridge, Nebraska. Shelby is involved with the Society
of Professional Journalists and volunteers as a UNL student ambassador.
The sophomore native of Beaver City, Nebraska, is majoring in journalism with a
minor in political science. Shelby has contributed to the Nebraska News Service as
a reporter and a student lead, writing, reporting, and helping curate a curriculum for
other students. She previously worked at The Daily Nebraskan student paper and the
Valley Voice newspaper in Cambridge, Nebraska. Shelby is involved with the Society
of Professional Journalists and volunteers as a UNL student ambassador.
Jenna Janssen - University of Nebraska Omaha
Jenna is a journalism and media communication major, concentrating in emerging
media, with minors in theater and studio art. Her professional experience includes
interning with KETV’s “First News,” where she produced the 4:30 a.m. broadcast. Her
campus involvement includes working as student reporter for KVNO-FM, serving as the news editor for the Gateway student newspaper and as a reporter for the Omaha News.
Jenna is a journalism and media communication major, concentrating in emerging
media, with minors in theater and studio art. Her professional experience includes
interning with KETV’s “First News,” where she produced the 4:30 a.m. broadcast. Her
campus involvement includes working as student reporter for KVNO-FM, serving as the news editor for the Gateway student newspaper and as a reporter for the Omaha News.
Jim Denney “Good News” Scholarships
Jenna Heinz - University of Nebraska-Kearney
Jenna is a sophomore from Deweese, Nebraska, who is double majoring in journalism and multimedia and minoring in photography. She started reporting for UNK’s The Antelope student newspaper during her first week on campus as a freshman. By the start of her sophomore year, she became news editor and then ascended to editor-in-chief this spring. Not only is she leading the paper’s coverage of campus, she has taken an active role in recruiting other students to the staff. With a passion for storytelling, the 4.0 GPA student is committed to making journalism her career.
Jenna is a sophomore from Deweese, Nebraska, who is double majoring in journalism and multimedia and minoring in photography. She started reporting for UNK’s The Antelope student newspaper during her first week on campus as a freshman. By the start of her sophomore year, she became news editor and then ascended to editor-in-chief this spring. Not only is she leading the paper’s coverage of campus, she has taken an active role in recruiting other students to the staff. With a passion for storytelling, the 4.0 GPA student is committed to making journalism her career.
Mackenzie Gable - Chadron State College
Mackenzie is a junior from Gering, Nebraska, who is majoring in communications and minoring in journalism. On campus, she has worked on the Eagle, Chadron’s student newspaper, as well as with the campus television station and its CSC Live broadcast. She has particularly developed a passion for sports. This summer she will serve as an intern in a summer league for college baseball players, her ultimate goal to work as a sports journalist or in sports media production.
Mackenzie is a junior from Gering, Nebraska, who is majoring in communications and minoring in journalism. On campus, she has worked on the Eagle, Chadron’s student newspaper, as well as with the campus television station and its CSC Live broadcast. She has particularly developed a passion for sports. This summer she will serve as an intern in a summer league for college baseball players, her ultimate goal to work as a sports journalist or in sports media production.
Susan Eustice Scholarship
Taylor Daffer - Creighton University
The junior from Gretna is majoring in journalism on the public relations and advertising track, with a minor in business administration. On campus, Taylor serves as an officer with Creighton PRSSA and a content creator with the J. Blue Marketing Agency. She has also completed a public relations internship with a Destin, Florida, firm that works with the travel industry. She is currently interning at planit inc. with a focus on web design.
The junior from Gretna is majoring in journalism on the public relations and advertising track, with a minor in business administration. On campus, Taylor serves as an officer with Creighton PRSSA and a content creator with the J. Blue Marketing Agency. She has also completed a public relations internship with a Destin, Florida, firm that works with the travel industry. She is currently interning at planit inc. with a focus on web design.
Mark Gautier Internship Award
Samantha Pastorino - University of Nebraska Omaha
Samantha is a journalism and media communication major with a concentration in
emerging media and a minor in communications studies. She currently interns at
KETV, where she has done on-air special reports. She serves as vice president of
public relations for the UNO chapter of PRSSA. She is also a freelance feature writer
for MaverickPR, where she has written articles for CommUNO and Milford magazines.
Samantha is a journalism and media communication major with a concentration in
emerging media and a minor in communications studies. She currently interns at
KETV, where she has done on-air special reports. She serves as vice president of
public relations for the UNO chapter of PRSSA. She is also a freelance feature writer
for MaverickPR, where she has written articles for CommUNO and Milford magazines.
Judy Horan Scholarship
Mia Sadlouskos - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Mia is a broadcasting and marketing double major with plans to graduate in May 2026. Mia creates social media content for St. Mark’s On the Campus and is an associate at the Diversity Inclusion Gathering Space in UNL’s College of Business. Through work with the College of Journalism and Mass Communications Experience Lab, Mia has created promotional materials showcasing the need for equality in the community.
Mia is a broadcasting and marketing double major with plans to graduate in May 2026. Mia creates social media content for St. Mark’s On the Campus and is an associate at the Diversity Inclusion Gathering Space in UNL’s College of Business. Through work with the College of Journalism and Mass Communications Experience Lab, Mia has created promotional materials showcasing the need for equality in the community.
Floyd Kalber Scholarship
MJ Atayi - University of Nebraska Omaha
MJ is a journalism and media communication major with a concentration in emerging media and minors in black studies and screenwriting. MJ serves as production director for MavRadio. MJ also anchored the University of Nebraska Foundation’s “Wear Black Give Back” televised kick-off and won two Midwest Journalism Association Eric Sevareid awards. MJ also worked as an intern for Nebraska Civic Engagement, helping create and host the podcast, “Seat at the Nebraska Table.”
MJ is a journalism and media communication major with a concentration in emerging media and minors in black studies and screenwriting. MJ serves as production director for MavRadio. MJ also anchored the University of Nebraska Foundation’s “Wear Black Give Back” televised kick-off and won two Midwest Journalism Association Eric Sevareid awards. MJ also worked as an intern for Nebraska Civic Engagement, helping create and host the podcast, “Seat at the Nebraska Table.”
Robert McMorris Scholarship
Abbie Gallant - Creighton University
The second-year student from Littleton, Colorado, is studying journalism, with a
minor in Spanish, and hopes to become a sports reporter. She has served as a sports reporter for the Creightonian since arriving on campus, later serving as sports editor. Highlights of her work include traveling to cover the Bluejay men’s basketball team in the Big East tournament and in the recent NCAA tournament.
The second-year student from Littleton, Colorado, is studying journalism, with a
minor in Spanish, and hopes to become a sports reporter. She has served as a sports reporter for the Creightonian since arriving on campus, later serving as sports editor. Highlights of her work include traveling to cover the Bluejay men’s basketball team in the Big East tournament and in the recent NCAA tournament.
Nebraska Broadcasters Association Scholarship
Samantha Pastorino - University of Nebraska Omaha
Samantha is a journalism and media communication major with a concentration in emerging media and a minor in communications studies. She currently interns at KETV, where she has done on-air special reports. She serves as vice president of public relations for the UNO chapter of PRSSA. She is also a freelance feature writer for MaverickPR, where she has written articles for CommUNO and Milford magazines.
Samantha is a journalism and media communication major with a concentration in emerging media and a minor in communications studies. She currently interns at KETV, where she has done on-air special reports. She serves as vice president of public relations for the UNO chapter of PRSSA. She is also a freelance feature writer for MaverickPR, where she has written articles for CommUNO and Milford magazines.
Panko-Roberts Scholarships
Sam Hingsberger - Creighton University
The junior from St. Paul, Minnesota, is a junior majoring in journalism, with a focus on news and public relations, and also minors in business. Sam has found lots of ways to pursue his love of writing, including being active with the Creightonian student newspaper. He has also done a variety of media work for Jesuit Academy, No More Empty Pots and Bridgepoint Investment Bank. During his senior year, he will be working with Creighton’s J. Blue Marketing Agency.
The junior from St. Paul, Minnesota, is a junior majoring in journalism, with a focus on news and public relations, and also minors in business. Sam has found lots of ways to pursue his love of writing, including being active with the Creightonian student newspaper. He has also done a variety of media work for Jesuit Academy, No More Empty Pots and Bridgepoint Investment Bank. During his senior year, he will be working with Creighton’s J. Blue Marketing Agency.
Livia Ziskey - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The sophomore from Omaha is double majoring in journalism and in advertising and public relations, with a minor in psychology. The Regents scholar is a member of the Media Smarts Learning Community and UNL Women’s Club Soccer, where she serves as the social media manager. She is a reporter with the college’s Nebraska News Service and interns with Linked2Literacy. She also works for the journalism college as a specialist in the media equipment room.
The sophomore from Omaha is double majoring in journalism and in advertising and public relations, with a minor in psychology. The Regents scholar is a member of the Media Smarts Learning Community and UNL Women’s Club Soccer, where she serves as the social media manager. She is a reporter with the college’s Nebraska News Service and interns with Linked2Literacy. She also works for the journalism college as a specialist in the media equipment room.
Brookelyn Evans - University of Nebraska Omaha
Brookelyn is a journalism and media communication major with a concentration in public relations and advertising and a minor in marketing. She serves as vice president of social media for UNO’s PRSSA chapter. She also served on the PRSSA District Conference planning team and handled all social media promotion. In addition, she is a feature writer for CommUNO, the School of Communication’s alumni magazine.
Brookelyn is a journalism and media communication major with a concentration in public relations and advertising and a minor in marketing. She serves as vice president of social media for UNO’s PRSSA chapter. She also served on the PRSSA District Conference planning team and handled all social media promotion. In addition, she is a feature writer for CommUNO, the School of Communication’s alumni magazine.
Rudolph “Rudy” Smith, Sr. Scholarship
Stephen Pura - University of Nebraska Omaha
Stephen is a journalism and media communication major with a concentration in public relations and advertising and a minor in business. Stehen is president of UNO PRSSA and previously served as vice president of DEI. He works as advertising manager with the Gateway and assists with social media and photography. Stephen also has created new websites for UNO PRSSA and Why Arts. He earned the top speaker award at MAV Talks and received the Increasing Diversity scholarship awarded by PRSA Nebraska.
Stephen is a journalism and media communication major with a concentration in public relations and advertising and a minor in business. Stehen is president of UNO PRSSA and previously served as vice president of DEI. He works as advertising manager with the Gateway and assists with social media and photography. Stephen also has created new websites for UNO PRSSA and Why Arts. He earned the top speaker award at MAV Talks and received the Increasing Diversity scholarship awarded by PRSA Nebraska.
Paul N. Williams Scholarships
Elizabeth Jones - Creighton University
The sophomore from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is double majoring in Journalism and Sustainability, with a goal of becoming a news reporter on climate issues. She also is minoring in Gender and Sexuality Studies. Elizabeth has served as news editor of the Creightonian for four semesters and next semester will be co-editor-in-chief. Last summer, she worked as a news intern for South Dakota Public Broadcasting, reporting on political news and assisting with radio programs.
The sophomore from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is double majoring in Journalism and Sustainability, with a goal of becoming a news reporter on climate issues. She also is minoring in Gender and Sexuality Studies. Elizabeth has served as news editor of the Creightonian for four semesters and next semester will be co-editor-in-chief. Last summer, she worked as a news intern for South Dakota Public Broadcasting, reporting on political news and assisting with radio programs.
Damon Bennett - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The junior native of Grand Island is double majoring in broadcasting and in sports media and communication. A Regents scholar and first-generation college student, Damon is a communications intern at Union Pacific, where he manages social media engagement and edits videos. He previously interned with the Nebraska Golf Association and was a reporting intern at the Lincoln Journal Star, covering elections, sports, and breaking news. He is also president of Acacia Fraternity.
The junior native of Grand Island is double majoring in broadcasting and in sports media and communication. A Regents scholar and first-generation college student, Damon is a communications intern at Union Pacific, where he manages social media engagement and edits videos. He previously interned with the Nebraska Golf Association and was a reporting intern at the Lincoln Journal Star, covering elections, sports, and breaking news. He is also president of Acacia Fraternity.
Andrew Smith - University of Nebraska Omaha
Andrew is a journalism and media communication major with a concentration in emerging media and a minor in entrepreneurship. He has served as the editor-in-chief of the Gateway since May 2023, helping launch a new website. He previously served as Gateway photo editor. He also works part-time for the Council Bluffs Nonpareil newspaper and has served as a freelance photographer for several news outlets. He is also a freelancer for MaverickPR and a member of UNO PRSSA.
Andrew is a journalism and media communication major with a concentration in emerging media and a minor in entrepreneurship. He has served as the editor-in-chief of the Gateway since May 2023, helping launch a new website. He previously served as Gateway photo editor. He also works part-time for the Council Bluffs Nonpareil newspaper and has served as a freelance photographer for several news outlets. He is also a freelancer for MaverickPR and a member of UNO PRSSA.
Edward Zorinsky Scholarship
Penjani “Penny” Banda - University of Nebraska Omaha
Penny is an international student from Zambia who came to UNO to earn her MA in Communication. She teaches two public speaking courses for the School of Communication. She also serves as assistant director of MaverickPR, UNO’s nationally recognized student-run public relations firm. Before coming to UNO, Penny worked in Zambia as a business reporter and editor for Lusaka Star Magazine and as a reporter for Radio Phoenix and UNZA Radio.
Penny is an international student from Zambia who came to UNO to earn her MA in Communication. She teaches two public speaking courses for the School of Communication. She also serves as assistant director of MaverickPR, UNO’s nationally recognized student-run public relations firm. Before coming to UNO, Penny worked in Zambia as a business reporter and editor for Lusaka Star Magazine and as a reporter for Radio Phoenix and UNZA Radio.