Marshall University Foundation
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Friday, February 22, 2008
Contact: Dave Wellman, Director of Communications (304) 696-7153
Marshall establishes scholarship in memory of Leah Hickman
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. –Marshall University has established the Leah Hickman Memorial Scholarship in Journalism, according to Marshall University Foundation Inc. Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ron Area.
Leah Hickman was a Marshall University broadcast journalism major who died in December 2007.
The scholarship will be awarded to a Marshall University freshman, sophomore or junior who is a full-time journalism student, a West Virginia resident and in good academic standing according to standards set by the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Marshall.
The Leah Hickman Scholarship was made possible by donations from Dress Barn Inc., the many family and friends of Leah Hickman, and Leah’s friends at the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Hickman’s mother, Sherry Russell, helped the Marshall University Foundation with the formation of the scholarship as a way to honor her daughter’s memory.
“Leah had chosen journalism as a major because she wanted to be in a position where she could make a change, where she could influence others for good,” Russell said.
“Leah Hickman’s desire to help others will live on through this scholarship that bears her name,” said Marshall University President Stephen J. Kopp. “The recipients of this scholarship and their life works will be a testament to Leah’s life and the generosity of the many who have expressed their support of Leah’s family during this tragic and difficult time.”
Dr. Corley Dennison, dean of the School of Journalism, said Leah thoroughly enjoyed her shift at WMUL-FM, Marshall’s student-run radio station.
“Many of our students have been asking about an appropriate way to remember Leah,” Dennison said. “We are currently working on the details of several fundraisers and the proceeds from those will be contributed to the scholarship fund named in her honor.”
To contribute to the scholarship, visit www.marshalluniversityfoundation.com or contact Tracy Straub, Donor Relations Coordinator, at (304) 696-6781.
The first award will be made during the School of Journalism’s annual spring banquet.