Hugh Downs School Scholarship Funds
This scholarship supports high-achieving students in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication with a focus on interpersonal and intercultural communication. Your gift helps students deepen their expertise and continue their academic progress as they prepare for careers in communication.
This scholarship honors Dr. Belle Edson’s 25 years of leadership in the Hugh Downs School study abroad program. It supports undergraduate students pursuing international study experiences that broaden their perspectives and deepen their understanding of global cultures.
Clark Olson, who served as director of forensics at ASU for 15 years, coached more than 300 students during his tenure. The Clark Olson Forensic Scholarship Fund was established in 1999, and he worked tirelessly to endow the scholarship so it could aid students in perpetuity. Your gifts to the scholarship fund will provide the next generation of forensic students with assistance to defray their tuition expenses.
The Daniel Brouwer Mentorship Award was established to commemorate the legacy of outstanding mentorship left by Daniel Brouwer, who served as faculty in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication for 21 years. Your support commemorates the extraordinary impact Brouwer had at ASU, where he worked with more than 60 graduate students on their dissertations and theses. Giving to the Daniel Brouwer Mentorship/Scholarship will recognize and support a graduate student whose work reflects a commitment to engaged and exceptional mentoring such as that demonstrated by Professor Brouwer.
When you invest in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication Enrichment Fund, you're enabling the director to provide funding for immediate academic and research priorities. You open the door to funding opportunities for conferences, travel and other expenses not allocated from general funding, as well as research support for priority projects. For instance, your support has allowed us to research improved concussion reporting and much more.
This fund supports high-achieving students in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, helping them continue their academic success and complete their degrees. Your gift provides meaningful financial support to students as they prepare for careers in communication, leadership and public engagement.
This scholarship supports Hugh Downs School students pursuing careers in public relations, helping them access the education and experiences needed to succeed in the field. Your gift provides critical financial support to Arizona students as they prepare to become the next generation of communication professionals.
Your donation will provide scholarship support to international students pursuing graduate studies in intercultural communication in the HDSHC.
This scholarship honors the life and legacy of the late Karin Valentine. It recognizes students' efforts in communicating their science and advocacy activities to a broad audience and doing so for years to come.
This scholarship supports students engaged in performance studies at the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, recognizing their creative work, scholarship and community impact. Your gift helps students continue exploring performance as a powerful form of expression, research and engagement.
This scholarship supports high-achieving students in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, helping them continue their academic progress and reach graduation. Your gift provides meaningful support as students prepare for careers in communication and related fields.
This scholarship supports students in group and organizational communication, with a focus on those who have overcome personal challenges or are returning to their studies with renewed commitment. Your gift helps expand access to education and empowers students to pursue their goals in communication and leadership.
This scholarship supports students across all majors who participate in forensics at the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, helping them represent ASU in speech and debate competitions. Your gift provides critical support as students develop skills in public speaking, argumentation and competitive communication.
This scholarship supports high-achieving students in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, helping them continue their academic progress and stay on track toward graduation. Your gift provides essential support as students prepare for careers in communication and leadership.
This scholarship supports high-achieving students in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, helping them continue their academic progress and complete their degrees. Your gift provides meaningful support as students prepare for careers in communication and leadership.
When you give to the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication you become a partner in the academic success of our students, the research discoveries of our faculty and the continued effort to make the world better. You’re also supporting a top-ranked research university that’s committed to finding solutions to some of our most pressing concerns. From scholarship support to funding for a specific research cause, your generosity and continued investment impact our community profoundly.
Whether you’re donating a couple of dollars or a large sum, your gift is greatly appreciated. Any amount makes a difference for our students, faculty, staff, research and programs. Your charitable contributions enable our school to achieve the highest standards of excellence, access and impact.
Giving to the funds below allows the school to offer incoming students scholarships to major in communication studies. In addition to helping a student afford university, scholarships are important recruitment tools that help bring more people into the study of communication, attract high-quality students and keep the degrees healthy.
Belle A. Edson Study Abroad Scholarship
Your gift honors Dr. Belle Edson’s legacy of transforming students’ lives through study abroad.
This scholarship supports Hugh Downs School students in pursuing life-changing study abroad experiences that broaden their perspectives and deepen their understanding of global cultures. Your gift helps make these opportunities accessible for future Sun Devils and ensures students can experience the personal and academic growth that comes from studying abroad.
Clark D. Olson Forensic Scholarship
In May 2022, Dr. Clark D. Olson retired after 37 years at our school.
For fifteen years, Clark administered one of the country’s largest and most successful national and international college forensics programs. Clark received numerous coaching awards and his teams were continually ranked in the top ten nationally in debate and individual events. He also helped mentor students and coaches in forensics and how to succeed both in life and school.
Your donation will provide funds for students on the Forensics Team, and this will help maintain our squad’s proud tradition of excellence and competitive success in speech and debate.
Daniel Brouwer Mentorship/Scholarship
Your gift honors the legacy of Professor Daniel Brouwer, who had a long history of mentoring students in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication.
The Daniel Brouwer Mentorship/Scholarship was established to commemorate the legacy of outstanding mentorship left by Daniel Brouwer, who served as faculty in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication for 21 years. Your support commemorates the extraordinary impact Brouwer had at ASU, where he worked with more than 60 graduate students on their dissertations and theses. Giving to the Daniel Brouwer Mentorship/Scholarship will recognize and support a graduate student whose work reflects a commitment to engaged and exceptional mentoring such as that demonstrated by Professor Brouwer.
Scholarship Recipients
Hugh Downs School of Human Communication Scholars Program Scholarship
Brandon Garlitos
"Receiving the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication Scholars Program Scholarship allows me to stay focused on my academic goals and continue making the most of my time at ASU. I’m excited to build on this opportunity as I prepare for my future in communication."
Jennifer G. Kaplan Endowment Scholarship
Xie Ziyu
"I’m incredibly grateful to be selected as a recipient of the Jennifer G. Kaplan Endowment Scholarship. This support allows me to continue pursuing my interests in public relations and developing the skills I’ll need for my future career in communication."
House of Broadcasting, Inc. Endowed Scholarship
Irma Mitre
"This scholarship is an important step in helping me pursue a future in broadcasting and media. The support allows me to continue developing my skills and gaining the experience I need to succeed in the communication industry."
Kristin Bervig Valentine Scholarship in Performance Studies
Christie Lohr
"Being selected for the Kristin Bervig Valentine Scholarship in Performance Studies allows me to continue exploring performance as both creative expression and academic work. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow as a performer and communicator."