2025 Scholarship Recipients
Stan Bond Scholarship
Marissa Lindemann - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The native of Nevada, Iowa is a Broadcasting major with minors in Fisheries and Wildlife and Conservation Biology. Since 2023, she has been an intern at Platte Basin Timelapse in Lincoln, where she captures photos, video and writes. In 2024, she served as photo and video intern at Pro Namib Nature Reserve in Hardap, Namibia. She also interned with Box Butte Development Corporation and works for Huskervision. She recently won the top prize in the 2025 Philip Perry Photojournalism Challenge at UNL.
The native of Nevada, Iowa is a Broadcasting major with minors in Fisheries and Wildlife and Conservation Biology. Since 2023, she has been an intern at Platte Basin Timelapse in Lincoln, where she captures photos, video and writes. In 2024, she served as photo and video intern at Pro Namib Nature Reserve in Hardap, Namibia. She also interned with Box Butte Development Corporation and works for Huskervision. She recently won the top prize in the 2025 Philip Perry Photojournalism Challenge at UNL.
John F. Davis Scholarships
Noah Douglas - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
A journalism and sports media communication major, Noah has been on the College of Journalism and Mass Communications dean’s list since 2022. Noah works at the Lincoln Journal Star as a part-time writer and sports clerk, covering high school volleyball. In the summer of 2024, Noah was a sports intern at Lake Country DockHounds. Noah is also a sports editor at CoJMC’s UNlimited Sports. In 2024, Noah won fourth place in the Lynn and Dana Roper Sports Writing Competition.
A journalism and sports media communication major, Noah has been on the College of Journalism and Mass Communications dean’s list since 2022. Noah works at the Lincoln Journal Star as a part-time writer and sports clerk, covering high school volleyball. In the summer of 2024, Noah was a sports intern at Lake Country DockHounds. Noah is also a sports editor at CoJMC’s UNlimited Sports. In 2024, Noah won fourth place in the Lynn and Dana Roper Sports Writing Competition.
Chloe Fitzgibbon- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
A Journalism and Spanish double major who will graduate in May 2027, Chloe currently works as a news reporter at The Daily Nebraskan, focusing on amplifying the voices of underserved minority communities through her writing. Chloe is also an active member of her community and has volunteered over 25 hours at Lincoln Literacy, where she taught English reading and writing to immigrants and non-native English speakers.
A Journalism and Spanish double major who will graduate in May 2027, Chloe currently works as a news reporter at The Daily Nebraskan, focusing on amplifying the voices of underserved minority communities through her writing. Chloe is also an active member of her community and has volunteered over 25 hours at Lincoln Literacy, where she taught English reading and writing to immigrants and non-native English speakers.
Fisher Madsen - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
A Sports Media & Communications and Journalism double major, Fisher has been on the College of Journalism and Mass Communications dean’s List for the past three semesters. He is currently a photographer at The Daily Nebraskan. He also works as a freelance photographer and has collaborated with Omaha High School Sports and UNLimited Sports. Previously, he worked as a sports reporter for both the Gretna Guide & News and Douglas County Post-Gazette covering high school sports.
A Sports Media & Communications and Journalism double major, Fisher has been on the College of Journalism and Mass Communications dean’s List for the past three semesters. He is currently a photographer at The Daily Nebraskan. He also works as a freelance photographer and has collaborated with Omaha High School Sports and UNLimited Sports. Previously, he worked as a sports reporter for both the Gretna Guide & News and Douglas County Post-Gazette covering high school sports.
Jim Denney “Good News” Scholarships
Mary Chvatal - University of Nebraska at Kearney
Mary is a Journalism major with minors in strategic communication and creative writing. Throughout her three years at UNK, Mary has written for both the student newspaper, The Antelope, and student radio station, and has also helped run the student communication department’s social media. She is president of Lambda Pi Eta, an honor society for journalism students, and a part of Students in Mass Media. She will also be interning at News Channel Nebraska this summer in hopes of learning more about radio and broadcast journalism.
Mary is a Journalism major with minors in strategic communication and creative writing. Throughout her three years at UNK, Mary has written for both the student newspaper, The Antelope, and student radio station, and has also helped run the student communication department’s social media. She is president of Lambda Pi Eta, an honor society for journalism students, and a part of Students in Mass Media. She will also be interning at News Channel Nebraska this summer in hopes of learning more about radio and broadcast journalism.
Muryn Haight - University of Nebraska at Kearney
Muryn didn’t discover her passion for journalism until she joined the staff of The Antelope student newspaper last fall, but she quickly became a regular and enthusiastic contributor. She became managing editor in January, helping to put out the paper each week and serving as the host of the regular “Lopers Speak” video series. She has made the Dean’s list at UNK every semester since enrolling in fall 2022 and was recently accepted into the school’s Golden Torch Society, a mentoring program for women.
Muryn didn’t discover her passion for journalism until she joined the staff of The Antelope student newspaper last fall, but she quickly became a regular and enthusiastic contributor. She became managing editor in January, helping to put out the paper each week and serving as the host of the regular “Lopers Speak” video series. She has made the Dean’s list at UNK every semester since enrolling in fall 2022 and was recently accepted into the school’s Golden Torch Society, a mentoring program for women.
Ally Sedlacek - University of Nebraska at Kearney
Ally has developed a passion for journalism through hands-on experience. She has been a contributor to UNK campus newspaper, The Antelope, covering diverse campus stories. She also completed a video project “The People of Holt County,” where she captured unique community narratives. She has won several awards through the Northern Plains Collegiate Media Association and won the outstanding sophomore and outstanding junior awards through her sorority, Alpha Phi, where she currently serves as president.
Ally has developed a passion for journalism through hands-on experience. She has been a contributor to UNK campus newspaper, The Antelope, covering diverse campus stories. She also completed a video project “The People of Holt County,” where she captured unique community narratives. She has won several awards through the Northern Plains Collegiate Media Association and won the outstanding sophomore and outstanding junior awards through her sorority, Alpha Phi, where she currently serves as president.
Susan Eustice Scholarship
Zoë Euteneuer - University of Nebraska Omaha
A junior majoring in journalism and media communication, Zoë is a storyteller at heart. She has turned her lifelong love of writing into professional experience as a freelance writer for MaverickPR and a communication intern with the University of Nebraska Foundation. Zoë has been recognized on both the Dean’s and Chancellor’s Lists and is a recipient of the Philip Schrager Scholarship for Student Leaders. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in writing and hopes to pursue a career in editing.
A junior majoring in journalism and media communication, Zoë is a storyteller at heart. She has turned her lifelong love of writing into professional experience as a freelance writer for MaverickPR and a communication intern with the University of Nebraska Foundation. Zoë has been recognized on both the Dean’s and Chancellor’s Lists and is a recipient of the Philip Schrager Scholarship for Student Leaders. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in writing and hopes to pursue a career in editing.
Judy Horan Scholarship
Charlotte Hechtl - Creighton University
The second-year student from St. Paul, Minnesota, is studying journalism with a focus on public relations and advertising while also pursuing a minor in business administration. Aspiring to become a PR associate, Charley has developed a wide range of promotional content for Marian High School, participated in a PRSSA campaign competition, and assisted the Sports For Kids Foundation with its social media strategy through coursework in the Department of Journalism.
The second-year student from St. Paul, Minnesota, is studying journalism with a focus on public relations and advertising while also pursuing a minor in business administration. Aspiring to become a PR associate, Charley has developed a wide range of promotional content for Marian High School, participated in a PRSSA campaign competition, and assisted the Sports For Kids Foundation with its social media strategy through coursework in the Department of Journalism.
Floyd Kalber Scholarship
Mary Mitzlaff - University of Nebraska at Omaha
A journalism and media communication major with a concentration in emerging media and a minor in sociology, Mary is a 2024 and 2025 Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association’s Eric Sevareid Award winner. She currently serves as vice president of the Maverick Videography Club and interns with the Greater Omaha Chamber where she manages social media, produces video content, and supports event facilitation. Mary aspires to create documentaries that elevate people’s voices and inspire meaningful connection.
A journalism and media communication major with a concentration in emerging media and a minor in sociology, Mary is a 2024 and 2025 Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association’s Eric Sevareid Award winner. She currently serves as vice president of the Maverick Videography Club and interns with the Greater Omaha Chamber where she manages social media, produces video content, and supports event facilitation. Mary aspires to create documentaries that elevate people’s voices and inspire meaningful connection.
Robert McMorris Scholarship
Chloe Carrillo - Creighton University
Chloe is a Journalism major on the public relations track, with a double major in health administration and policy and a minor in Business Administration. Chloe has been a writer for The Creightonian, Creighton’s student newspaper, since 2023, and has been an assistant editor to the scene section for over a year. She is also a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America. She hopes to become a public relations professional in the healthcare field.
Chloe is a Journalism major on the public relations track, with a double major in health administration and policy and a minor in Business Administration. Chloe has been a writer for The Creightonian, Creighton’s student newspaper, since 2023, and has been an assistant editor to the scene section for over a year. She is also a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America. She hopes to become a public relations professional in the healthcare field.
Nebraska Broadcasters Association Scholarship
Juliette Eckler - University of Nebraska at Omaha
Studying journalism and media communication, Juliette serves as co-station manager for MavRadio and president of Women in Media. Juliette has called play-by-play and provided color commentary for multiple Omaha sports and covered the 2024 Men’s College World Series. In 2025, she received a Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association’s Eric Sevareid Award. She plans to become a college sports reporter and analyst with a specialty in football.
Studying journalism and media communication, Juliette serves as co-station manager for MavRadio and president of Women in Media. Juliette has called play-by-play and provided color commentary for multiple Omaha sports and covered the 2024 Men’s College World Series. In 2025, she received a Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association’s Eric Sevareid Award. She plans to become a college sports reporter and analyst with a specialty in football.
Panko-Roberts Scholarships
Grace Updike - Creighton University
A journalism student studying news, advertising, public relations and graphic design, Grace has served as the News Editor for the Creightonian newspaper since the fall of 2024. She is a member of Creighton’s Kappa Pi International Art Honors Society chapter, as well as the school’s Public Relations Student Society of America chapter. Outside school, Grace enjoys doing freelance design work and participating in local political campaigns.
A journalism student studying news, advertising, public relations and graphic design, Grace has served as the News Editor for the Creightonian newspaper since the fall of 2024. She is a member of Creighton’s Kappa Pi International Art Honors Society chapter, as well as the school’s Public Relations Student Society of America chapter. Outside school, Grace enjoys doing freelance design work and participating in local political campaigns.
Shelby Rickert - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The Journalism major is a reporting fellow at Flatwater Free Press, writing and reporting and using data to tell stories. Previously, Shelby was an intern at the Lincoln Journal Star, writing local stories and covering breaking news. In spring 2024, Shelby was a Carnegie-Knight News21 Program enterprise reporter, working on a team with other fellows to write in-depth stories. Previously, Shelby was a student lead and reporter at Nebraska News Service. Shelby is also a member of the campus Society of Professional Journalists chapter.
The Journalism major is a reporting fellow at Flatwater Free Press, writing and reporting and using data to tell stories. Previously, Shelby was an intern at the Lincoln Journal Star, writing local stories and covering breaking news. In spring 2024, Shelby was a Carnegie-Knight News21 Program enterprise reporter, working on a team with other fellows to write in-depth stories. Previously, Shelby was a student lead and reporter at Nebraska News Service. Shelby is also a member of the campus Society of Professional Journalists chapter.
Denise Valdez-Alvarez - University of Nebraska at Omaha
A journalism and media communication major with a concentration in emerging media and a minor in English, Denise is a passionate storyteller and creative thinker. She is a member of Women in Media and MavRadio, and recently studied abroad in South Korea at Yeungnam University. Denise works as an office assistant at the UNO Writing Center. She seeks to use her skills for underrepresented voices and build a career centered on meaningful, authentic narratives.
A journalism and media communication major with a concentration in emerging media and a minor in English, Denise is a passionate storyteller and creative thinker. She is a member of Women in Media and MavRadio, and recently studied abroad in South Korea at Yeungnam University. Denise works as an office assistant at the UNO Writing Center. She seeks to use her skills for underrepresented voices and build a career centered on meaningful, authentic narratives.
John Savage Visual Communications Fellowship
- Tim Guthrie - Creighton University
- Jamie Wenz - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Chad Owsley - University of Nebraska at Omaha
Rudolph “Rudy” Smith, Sr. Scholarship
Justin Diep - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
A triple major in journalism, advertising and public relations and broadcast media production with a minor in political science, Justin has interned since August at the Lincoln Journal Star, writing about business, politics and crime. He also works as both a reporter and photographer for The Daily Nebraskan, his duties ranging from covering the Board of Regents to shooting photos at the NCAA volleyball Final Four. Last summer, he interned with the Washington County Enterprise/Pilot-Tribune. As editor in chief of the Bryan High Orator, he was named Nebraska’s 2023 High School Journalist of the Year. This summer he will intern with the Omaha World-Herald as part of its fellows program.
A triple major in journalism, advertising and public relations and broadcast media production with a minor in political science, Justin has interned since August at the Lincoln Journal Star, writing about business, politics and crime. He also works as both a reporter and photographer for The Daily Nebraskan, his duties ranging from covering the Board of Regents to shooting photos at the NCAA volleyball Final Four. Last summer, he interned with the Washington County Enterprise/Pilot-Tribune. As editor in chief of the Bryan High Orator, he was named Nebraska’s 2023 High School Journalist of the Year. This summer he will intern with the Omaha World-Herald as part of its fellows program.
Paul N. Williams Scholarships
Abbie Gallant - Creighton University
A journalism major on the public relations and news tracks, with a minor in Spanish, Abbie works as the editor in chief of the Creighton student newspaper, the Creightonian, and is a beat writer for men’s soccer and men’s basketball. She has traveled to the College Cup to cover men’s soccer, the men’s basketball Big East Tournament, and the NCAA tournament for both men’s and women’s basketball. Abbie also works for the Creighton athletics department writing scouting reports, releases and game notes.
A journalism major on the public relations and news tracks, with a minor in Spanish, Abbie works as the editor in chief of the Creighton student newspaper, the Creightonian, and is a beat writer for men’s soccer and men’s basketball. She has traveled to the College Cup to cover men’s soccer, the men’s basketball Big East Tournament, and the NCAA tournament for both men’s and women’s basketball. Abbie also works for the Creighton athletics department writing scouting reports, releases and game notes.
Ruth Bailey - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The junior majoring in journalism and political science is in the university honors program. She is currently interning at McGill Law Firm, where she is assisting with marketing materials. In 2024, she served as an intern for the Lincoln Journal Star, where she worked on writing breaking news and feature stories. She also serves as an undergraduate researcher for the Nebraska Legislative Project.
The junior majoring in journalism and political science is in the university honors program. She is currently interning at McGill Law Firm, where she is assisting with marketing materials. In 2024, she served as an intern for the Lincoln Journal Star, where she worked on writing breaking news and feature stories. She also serves as an undergraduate researcher for the Nebraska Legislative Project.
Katie Klemmensen - University of Nebraska at Omaha
A journalism and media communication major, Katie serves as the Digital Media Manager for MavRadio, where she also contributes as a writer, on-air reporter, and music interviewer. Her work focuses on promoting local artists and events through digital content and social media. Katie has earned recognition on the Chancellor’s List and Dean’s List and is a recipient of UNO’s Edward A. Pechar Scholarship. She is passionate about connecting storytelling and music that impacts the community.
A journalism and media communication major, Katie serves as the Digital Media Manager for MavRadio, where she also contributes as a writer, on-air reporter, and music interviewer. Her work focuses on promoting local artists and events through digital content and social media. Katie has earned recognition on the Chancellor’s List and Dean’s List and is a recipient of UNO’s Edward A. Pechar Scholarship. She is passionate about connecting storytelling and music that impacts the community.
Edward Zorinsky Scholarship
Mattie Beck - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The Wisconsin native is a graduate student in integrated media communication and currently works as a graduate assistant in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. Mattie interned in 2024 with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers baseball team. She previously was a digital marketing and social media intern with a music festival in Appleton, Wisconsin. This coming summer, she will intern with the Nebraska Golf Association. This past fall, she assisted with election night coverage for the Nebraska News Service.
The Wisconsin native is a graduate student in integrated media communication and currently works as a graduate assistant in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. Mattie interned in 2024 with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers baseball team. She previously was a digital marketing and social media intern with a music festival in Appleton, Wisconsin. This coming summer, she will intern with the Nebraska Golf Association. This past fall, she assisted with election night coverage for the Nebraska News Service.