Scholarships
Continue to main contentLet our community invest in your future.
Through the generosity of some outstanding members of the SEMO family, we are now able to offer an extensive list of scholarships exclusively intended for students of the Department of Communication Studies and Modern Languages. This incredible group of SEMO alumni and former faculty want you to experience the same type of success at Southeast as they were able to experience. Let our supportive community invest in your future and join the Southeast family today.
Scholarships in Communication Studies
For more information about the application process give us a call at 573-651-2241 or send an email to commstudies@semo.edu. If you have experience competing in speech or debate and would like to be part of our team, take a closer look at our Goodwin, Hahs, and Arnet scholarships. You may be a perfect candidate!
Dr. Goodwin was a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University in 1951 and was a faculty member for over 30 years. He served as Dean of the College of Humanities from 1976 until his retirement in 1988. He also served on the Southeast Missouri Foundation Board of Directors participating in, among many other things, the formation of the Department of Mass Communications.
The Goodwin Scholarship is intended for students with high promise in debate. This is a full-tuition award available to any class level and may be renewed for the extent of his or her college career.
The Goodwin Scholarship is intended for students with high promise in debate. This is a full-tuition award available to any class level and may be renewed for the extent of his or her college career.
The Limbaugh Speech Scholarship is designed for a worthy student of good moral character who is interested in and preparing for a career in which the power of speech and communication are vital factors. Financial need may be a consideration but does not need to be verified by a FAFSA form. The recipient must have an innate gift for public speaking and oratory with a desire to improve themselves in the development of their gifts.
This scholarship was established by Rush Limbaugh, Sr., in memory of his parents, brothers, and sisters. Mr. Limbaugh is an alumnus of Southeast Missouri State University, a 1961 Alumni Merit Award winner, and the recipient of the prestigious Friend of the University Award. With this scholarship, Mr. Limbaugh honors those who encouraged and assisted him in obtaining his education.
This scholarship was established by Rush Limbaugh, Sr., in memory of his parents, brothers, and sisters. Mr. Limbaugh is an alumnus of Southeast Missouri State University, a 1961 Alumni Merit Award winner, and the recipient of the prestigious Friend of the University Award. With this scholarship, Mr. Limbaugh honors those who encouraged and assisted him in obtaining his education.
This prize was established in 1934 by the late R. B. Oliver. Mr. Oliver served as a member of the State Senate from 1882 until 1886 and made a statewide reputation for ability and integrity. In 1889, Governor Francis appointed Senator Oliver a member of the Board of Curators for Southeast Missouri State University. He was one of the pioneers in promoting higher education in Missouri, particularly in Southeast Missouri. With this award, the rich history of the University lives on through the promotion of communicative excellence.
The Oliver Prize is a partial fee scholarship for upperclassmen who have demonstrated superior academic and communicative skills. A selection committee from the Department of Communication Studies will choose the recipient.
The Oliver Prize is a partial fee scholarship for upperclassmen who have demonstrated superior academic and communicative skills. A selection committee from the Department of Communication Studies will choose the recipient.
T. Ronald Hahs graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in speech and math. He was active in intercollegiate debate and oratory and was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Delta, Phi Mu Alpha and the Golden Eagles Marching Band. After spending a year as a teacher of math and speech and debate coach at Jackson High School, Ron began his career as a financial representative with Northwestern Mutual. He spent 34 years as a managing director. In addition, he taught Principles of Insurance for 34 years in the Harrison College of Business at Southeast. Ron remains active as a financial representative in addition to Rotary, Southeast Missouri University Foundation Board of Directors, Mercy Hospital Southeast Board, and as a Sunday school teacher and choir member at Centenary United Methodist Church.
Beverly Hahs grew up in Jackson, Missouri, and attended Jackson Public Schools before graduating from Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. She majored in English and minored in Library Science. She was employed as a librarian at Scott City High School following graduation. Other career opportunities have included manager of The Galleria Antique Store and director of a 13-county educational program for special needs students and scouts through the Boy Scouts of America. Currently, Beverly is a freelance historical writer for the Cash Book Journal newspaper located in Jackson, Missouri. In addition, she has served as a board member of the Cape River Heritage Museum of Cape Girardeau since 1984. She was past president and member of the Rose Hills Garden Club, member choir member, and Church Archival co-chair of Centenary United Methodist Church, member of PEO Chapter CI, and Ya-Ya Book Club.
The Hahs have four children: Brian (Julie) Hahs of Jackson, Missouri; Christy (Mike) Flannery of Raleigh, North Carolina; Lance (Nancy) Moll of Dallas, Texas; and, Bethany (Jason) Taylor of Overland Park, Kansas. They are the proud grandparents of 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
The recipient of this scholarship shall be a student enrolled at Southeast Missouri State University majoring or minoring in Communication Studies. First preference goes to a student involved in debate or related public programming designed to facilitate campus and community dialogue. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. This scholarship is renewable, but the recipient must reapply each year.
Beverly Hahs grew up in Jackson, Missouri, and attended Jackson Public Schools before graduating from Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. She majored in English and minored in Library Science. She was employed as a librarian at Scott City High School following graduation. Other career opportunities have included manager of The Galleria Antique Store and director of a 13-county educational program for special needs students and scouts through the Boy Scouts of America. Currently, Beverly is a freelance historical writer for the Cash Book Journal newspaper located in Jackson, Missouri. In addition, she has served as a board member of the Cape River Heritage Museum of Cape Girardeau since 1984. She was past president and member of the Rose Hills Garden Club, member choir member, and Church Archival co-chair of Centenary United Methodist Church, member of PEO Chapter CI, and Ya-Ya Book Club.
The Hahs have four children: Brian (Julie) Hahs of Jackson, Missouri; Christy (Mike) Flannery of Raleigh, North Carolina; Lance (Nancy) Moll of Dallas, Texas; and, Bethany (Jason) Taylor of Overland Park, Kansas. They are the proud grandparents of 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
The recipient of this scholarship shall be a student enrolled at Southeast Missouri State University majoring or minoring in Communication Studies. First preference goes to a student involved in debate or related public programming designed to facilitate campus and community dialogue. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. This scholarship is renewable, but the recipient must reapply each year.
Bill and Judy Arnet received their undergraduate degrees from Southeast Missouri State University in May 1970. Bill received his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri in 1973. He served for 10 years as an assistant attorney general for the state of Missouri and practiced for 27 years in the Office of the General Counsel for the University of Missouri system. Judy received a Bachelor of Science in nutrition and dietetics from the University of Missouri in 1991. She practiced as a Registered Dietitian at Boone Hospital Center and became the manager of nutrition services in 2005. Both Bill and Judy retired in 2011.
The Arnet Family Scholarship in Communication Studies recognizes students who have made outstanding contributions to communication and debate activities, and/or who show exceptional promise of future contribution.
Preference will be given to upper-class students (50% of their credit hours completed) who major in Communication Studies, who are active in debate/speech activities sponsored by the Department of Communication Studies, and who have a record of academic achievement (GPA 3.0 minimum). Financial need may be used in selection criteria, but it is not a requirement for this award. This scholarship is renewable, but recipients must reapply each year.
The Arnet Family Scholarship in Communication Studies recognizes students who have made outstanding contributions to communication and debate activities, and/or who show exceptional promise of future contribution.
Preference will be given to upper-class students (50% of their credit hours completed) who major in Communication Studies, who are active in debate/speech activities sponsored by the Department of Communication Studies, and who have a record of academic achievement (GPA 3.0 minimum). Financial need may be used in selection criteria, but it is not a requirement for this award. This scholarship is renewable, but recipients must reapply each year.
Michael C. Upperman III, originally from Springfield, IL, was a double major in corporate communication and international business at Southeast. Michael was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and an executive board member and chair of alumni relations. He also served as a member of the interfraternity council judicial board and participated in SEMO's President's Leadership Academy. Because of his academic achievements and leadership skill he was nominated by his peers to be an honorary member of Lambda Pi Eta National Communication Honor Society. Michael loved to travel and spent a semester studying abroad, making many friends. He showed admirable courage in dealing with adversity and touched many hearts with his kindness and thoughtfulness. Southeast Missouri State University faculty, members of student organizations in the Department of Communication Studies, and Upperman's family and friends made gifts towards the award to continue his legacy.
The recipient of the scholarship will be a student enrolled at Southeast Missouri State University who is a major in the Department of Communication Studies who displays these qualities:
- Excellent student with a minimum of 3.0 GPA
- Ethical and Honest
- Hardworking
- Studious
- Conscientious
- Responsible
- Brave and courageous
- Caring and thoughtful
- Displays leadership
- Honorably represents the Department of Communication Studies
This scholarship, endowed by Glen Williams, recognizes students who have made significant contributions to the Department of Communication Studies, and/or who show exceptional promise of future contribution. The contributions, for example, could be serving as a concierge for the department or as an officer in one of the department’s student organizations, such as COMMrades.
Preference will be given to students who major in the Communication Studies’ program, who actively participate in events/endeavors sponsored by the Department of Communication Studies, and who have a record of academic achievement (GPA 3.2 minimum). Financial need may be used in selection criteria, but it is not a requirement for this award. This scholarship is renewable, but recipients must reapply each year.
Glen Williams spent most of his career at Southeast Missouri State University as professor and chairperson of Communication Studies. Prior to Southeast, he taught at Indiana University, Missouri State University, and Texas A&M University. He was an alum of Southeast, spending the last year of his undergraduate program here and then completing an M.A. in English, concentrating on composition and rhetoric. He earned a Ph.D. in rhetoric and public address at Indiana University.
Glen took his various duties seriously. He wrote articles and chapters and coauthored an award-winning textbook: Public Speaking and Civic Engagement. In 2014 the College of Liberal Arts recognized his scholarly contributions with its annual Honors Award for Outstanding Scholarship. In 2008 he received the R. Ferrell Ervin Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 2007 he received Student Life and Leadership’s Outstanding Student Advisor Award for his work with COMMrades.
Glen knew full well the value of effective communication and the difference it could make in one’s life—personally and professionally. He had experienced the effects first-hand and wanted the same for his students. He emphasized that the ability to communicate effectively had a higher calling than self-promotion; the ability could serve the greater good. His communication activities were largely in the service of others.
Glen was known as “GW,” by colleagues and students alike, preferring that handle to “Dr.” or “Professor.” He considered learning a partnership involving mutual respect and tending to the department a team enterprise.
Preference will be given to students who major in the Communication Studies’ program, who actively participate in events/endeavors sponsored by the Department of Communication Studies, and who have a record of academic achievement (GPA 3.2 minimum). Financial need may be used in selection criteria, but it is not a requirement for this award. This scholarship is renewable, but recipients must reapply each year.
Glen Williams spent most of his career at Southeast Missouri State University as professor and chairperson of Communication Studies. Prior to Southeast, he taught at Indiana University, Missouri State University, and Texas A&M University. He was an alum of Southeast, spending the last year of his undergraduate program here and then completing an M.A. in English, concentrating on composition and rhetoric. He earned a Ph.D. in rhetoric and public address at Indiana University.
Glen took his various duties seriously. He wrote articles and chapters and coauthored an award-winning textbook: Public Speaking and Civic Engagement. In 2014 the College of Liberal Arts recognized his scholarly contributions with its annual Honors Award for Outstanding Scholarship. In 2008 he received the R. Ferrell Ervin Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 2007 he received Student Life and Leadership’s Outstanding Student Advisor Award for his work with COMMrades.
Glen knew full well the value of effective communication and the difference it could make in one’s life—personally and professionally. He had experienced the effects first-hand and wanted the same for his students. He emphasized that the ability to communicate effectively had a higher calling than self-promotion; the ability could serve the greater good. His communication activities were largely in the service of others.
Glen was known as “GW,” by colleagues and students alike, preferring that handle to “Dr.” or “Professor.” He considered learning a partnership involving mutual respect and tending to the department a team enterprise.
Modern Language Scholarships
The French scholarship has been dedicated to an eminent member of the Southeast Missouri State faculty, Dr. Constance Rowe, teacher, lecturer, and author by her students and her colleagues. Dr. Rowe was born November 27, 1907, in New York City. After graduating from Wadleigh High School, where her father was principal, she attended Syracuse University and the Sorbonne in Paris, where she obtained certificate in French Language and Literature. Her Bachelor of Literature was from Douglass College, New Brunswick, New Jersey and her M.A and Ph.D. were from Columbia University in New York
Her teaching positions included an instructorship at Brooklyn College, an associate professorship of French at Lynchburg College, Virginia, at Lycoming college, Williamsport, Pennsylvania and at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina. In 1969, she became associate professor of French at what was then Southeast Missouri State College, where she taught with distinction until her retirement in 1975.
Her teaching positions included an instructorship at Brooklyn College, an associate professorship of French at Lynchburg College, Virginia, at Lycoming college, Williamsport, Pennsylvania and at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina. In 1969, she became associate professor of French at what was then Southeast Missouri State College, where she taught with distinction until her retirement in 1975.
Helen Cleaver taught at Southeast from 1933 to 1973. The 1960 Sagamore was dedicated to her “with profound respect and deep admiration” and the following dedication.
Occasionally there are those who can exert a positive and profound influence and accomplish this feat in such a quiet and unassuming manner that the influence appears to be self-perpetuating. We find such a person in Miss Helen Cleaver, former chair of the Department of Modern Languages.
Her congenial smile, delightful sense of humor, and varied interest in and contribution to the cultural life of the campus and community have won for her the respect, admiration, and affection of countless numbers of students, faculty and friends.
For over 27 years, Miss Cleaver provided an invaluable portion of all that is meaningful and worthwhile at Southeast Missouri State. And because we have long witnessed her endless reserve of energy and enthusiasm, we feel that she must have thought as the late Albert Camus so well said, “In the midst of winter, I found within me an invincible summer.” It is this “invincible summer” which so much endears her to all those who know and love her.
Criteria:
To be awarded to full time student majoring in foreign language with an overall GPA of 2.0 and a major GPA of 3.0. The funds will be used for tuition or study abroad.
Occasionally there are those who can exert a positive and profound influence and accomplish this feat in such a quiet and unassuming manner that the influence appears to be self-perpetuating. We find such a person in Miss Helen Cleaver, former chair of the Department of Modern Languages.
Her congenial smile, delightful sense of humor, and varied interest in and contribution to the cultural life of the campus and community have won for her the respect, admiration, and affection of countless numbers of students, faculty and friends.
For over 27 years, Miss Cleaver provided an invaluable portion of all that is meaningful and worthwhile at Southeast Missouri State. And because we have long witnessed her endless reserve of energy and enthusiasm, we feel that she must have thought as the late Albert Camus so well said, “In the midst of winter, I found within me an invincible summer.” It is this “invincible summer” which so much endears her to all those who know and love her.
Criteria:
To be awarded to full time student majoring in foreign language with an overall GPA of 2.0 and a major GPA of 3.0. The funds will be used for tuition or study abroad.
The German Language Endowed Scholarship Fund invites full-time German Language majors to submit applications for a scholarship award. The scholarship's intent is to encourage German majors to study in a German speaking country. The scholarship must be used primarily for overseas study purposes and will be competitive.
This scholarship is established by Dr. and Mrs. Hartmut Krafft in honor of Dr. Raymond A. Ritter Sr. who opened his home to a number of German exchange students while studying at Southeast Missouri State University.
Criteria:
Open to foreign language majors. First preference will be given to majors in German Language at the undergraduate level who plan to study abroad in a German-speaking country; second preference is given to all other majors in the Department of Communication Studies & Modern Languages, in support of study abroad. Award is based on academic merit. Applicants must complete an application and essay through the Department of Foreign Languages.
For details, please email Dr. Debbie Lee-DiStefano or Dr. Kimberly Louie.
Criteria:
Open to foreign language majors. First preference will be given to majors in German Language at the undergraduate level who plan to study abroad in a German-speaking country; second preference is given to all other majors in the Department of Communication Studies & Modern Languages, in support of study abroad. Award is based on academic merit. Applicants must complete an application and essay through the Department of Foreign Languages.
For details, please email Dr. Debbie Lee-DiStefano or Dr. Kimberly Louie.
The Spanish Club Scholarship is offered as a competitive award among club members for writing an assigned essay. An overall 2.8 general and 3.0 Spanish GPA is preferred. There will be at least two scholarships for Spanish majors and two for minors. For details, contact the Spanish Club.
Dr. Frances Geyer Crowley is professor emerita at this University, where she taught Romance Languages and education. She spoke by invitation in the United States, in France and Spain, and in Latin America, where she lectured at the Universidad del Salvador in Buenos Aires, the University of the Pacific, the Peruvian Diplomatic Academy, and the University of Lima, which published her lectures. For her work as a teacher, author and editor she received the School of Liberal Arts Award.
Dr. Frances Geyer Crowley is professor emerita at this University, where she taught Romance Languages and education. She spoke by invitation in the United States, in France and Spain, and in Latin America, where she lectured at the Universidad del Salvador in Buenos Aires, the University of the Pacific, the Peruvian Diplomatic Academy, and the University of Lima, which published her lectures. For her work as a teacher, author and editor she received the School of Liberal Arts Award.
SEMO Scholarships
At Southeast, we have a generous scholarship program where 75% of students are eligible. We also connect our students to the various government-funded and donor-funded scholarships in an attempt to assure students interested in Southeast can financially have the opportunity to do so.
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