Student Awards

The 2023-24 scholarship cycle has ended. Please check this page in Fall 2024 for information about awards and deadlines.

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 Fall 2023 deadline was October 31.) Application materials are reviewed and awards are announced by the end of the term, with awards disbursed during Spring semester.

The department typically organizes an end-of-year event where students are celebrated for their hard-earned achievements and dedication to their COMM programs, extracurricular activities, and more.

The Spring 2024 Awards Ceremony and End of Year Celebration will be Wednesday, May 22 from 2-4pm in MLK 255. All COMM majors are welcome. Family and friends of award recipients are also cordially invited!

2024 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. The reward amount for this scholarship is $1,500. 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. 

On the application, students must 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 will 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. The reward amount for this scholarship is $3,000. 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. 

On the application, students must 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 will use your communication studies degree and what you have learned about communication to make a difference in the world.

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. The reward amount for this scholarship is $1,000. 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. 

Applicants must 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 classes. The project could be from any of your COMM classes and might involve, for example, data analysis, interviews, interpretation or preparation for a performance, or preparation for an applied activity. What makes your project notable? How would you continue to develop the project if you had the chance to do so?

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. The reward for this scholarship is $1,000. 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. 

To complete the application, students must 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 and how you have made a difference to other Communication students, faculty, and 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 COMM majors who are participating in a COMM-sponsored study abroad program.

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.

Outstanding Graduate Citizen

The recipient of this award is recognized for their exceptional level of engagement with the program and department in ways that strengthen our department 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.

Applicants should mail a 1- to 2-page letter outlining your qualifications to marie.haverfield@sjsu.edu. Please include your name and the type of award nomination in the email subject (e.g., Outstanding Graduate Citizen - [Student Name]). No additional materials are required. Nominations will be considered by the Graduate Committee and the honorees will be announced at the end of the semester.