Thanks to our generous alumni and friends, many Media students are able to receive scholarship aid. This act of kindness does not go unnoticed, especially by our students. Their words of thanks are inspiring and a testament to how important you are to the Illinois experience.
If you are interested in learning how you can help future students, please contact the College of Media Office of Advancement at (217) 244-5466 or media-giving@illinois.edu, or make a gift online.
Thank you from our Media students

Khadijat, Media & Cinema Studies, Class of 2028
“I am excited to start this new chapter in my life and find communities where I belong, be more independent, and learn more about the career I plan to pursue. It would be a dream come true for me if I were able to contribute to the wonderful cinematography that goes on behind the scenes. With this scholarship, my goal has become more attainable.”

Adelyn, Journalism, Class of 2027
“Being able to interview prominent figures, work with a news editor, and report on developing stories was a valuable learning experience, and I will be continuing my position as a student reporter at the Illinois Student Newsroom at Illinois Public Media. I am extremely fortunate to have all of these amazing opportunities, and this scholarship is one of them.”

Ella, Media & Cinema Studies, Class of 2027
“I want to thank you so very much for your generous donations which have allowed me to receive this amazing scholarship. Growing up in a small town, becoming a film director seemed to be on the same level of planning as becoming an astronaut or the next president, something that did not seem possible. But, after realizing all the possibilities that are out there, I decided that the University of Illinois was the perfect place to make my dream a reality. UIUC gives me the advantages of a big school, while the College of Media is a close-knit community just like my hometown. Thank you so much for providing this critical support to help students like me pursue our dreams. Your support means the world to me and has made such a positive impact on my life and career.”

Faiz, Computer Science + Advertising, Class of 2027
“It is with immense pride and gratitude that I accept this scholarship, and I want to convey how profoundly it will impact my journey. The financial support provided by this scholarship will help alleviate the burden of tuition and allow me to fully immerse myself in my studies and research. It is not merely a financial aid but a symbol of trust and belief in my potential, which motivates me to strive for excellence in my academic pursuits. With your generous support, I am one step closer to realizing my dreams of positively impacting the world of advertising through innovative and ethical practices.”

Christopher, Advertising, Class of 2026
“This scholarship is not just a financial blessing but a vote of confidence in my potential to succeed in the field of advertising. It motivates me to work even harder to achieve my academic and professional goals. It allows me to focus more on my studies and join additional campus groups. I am deeply thankful for the generosity and support of alumni like you.”

Megan, Computer Science + Advertising, Class of 2026
“I would like to thank you for providing the funding for the Florence J. Johnson Scholarship. I am extremely grateful for the continued support of my education at the University of Illinois. The financial support this scholarship provides was such a great help last year, so I am extremely appreciative of the opportunity to renew it. The recognition of my continued hard work means so much to me. I am excited to continue my studies at the University of Illinois, and I cannot wait to see what the next three years will bring.”

Gabriella, Advertising, Class of 2026
“Thank you so much for your generous support of my education at the University of Illinois through the Calvin Hugy Scholarship. I am sincerely honored to have received this scholarship for the 2023-2024 academic year. The College of Media has brought me so many outstanding opportunities including educational travel in conjunction with the American Advertising Federation. With each experience, it has further proven that advertising is the path for me.”

Humza, Journalism, Class of 2026
“I am grateful that I have been given the opportunity to receive such generous financial support which will undoubtedly assist me in my studies. The Marilyn Miller Kaytor Scholarship opened the gateway for me to explore journalism beyond my academics. After a competitive audition with other qualified candidates, I was selected to host Good Morning Illini, and will begin my on-camera career this fall. I hope to continue to make you proud for supporting my academic ambitions.”

Sofia, Media & Cinema Studies, Class of 2026
“Thank you for your support through the C. Arthur and Eleanor Garm Hemminger Scholarship. During my freshman year, I was able to take advantage of many opportunities in the College of Media. I became a Mark L. Brandt Public Engagement Fellow, where I became the director and producer of the series “Our Fellow Media Students” for the College of Media Instagram. I am excited to say that the series was renewed. In addition to my series, I will also be a teaching assistant for the course MACS 140: Smartphone Cinema. I am very thankful for your generosity through this scholarship, as I have been able to take full advantage of all these amazing opportunities that are helping me to build and expand upon my media skills.”

Rawan, Computer Science + Advertising, Class of 2026
“My hope is to increase access to high quality information and resources to a wide range of individuals regardless of individual factors, such as income or geography. I feel both supported and encouraged to pursue my passions and have an impact on the world. Thank you for your continued support of students like me which allowed me this amazing opportunity.”

Francesca, Media & Cinema Studies, Class of 2026
“This opportunity lets me combine my passions for media and politics in a way that allows me to be creative and inspire change, and I see my career taking this course in the future as well. I have always been drawn to film, journalism, and anything media-related, and it is thanks to this scholarship that I am able to continue to pursue my passions at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a school full of life and ambition.”

Aaron, CS + Advertising, Class of 2025
“I have always dreamed of being one of the very few in my family to be able to attend and graduate from a prestigious institution such as the University of Illinois. Your scholarship will help to allow me to graduate without incurring a significant amount of student loan debt and be able to serve as a beacon for my local community.”