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Scholarship established
in honor of Estelle "Bill" Belanger
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- The Marshall University Foundation Inc. has received
a bequest of more than $60,000 to endow the Estelle Margaret "Bill"
Belanger Scholarship. It will be awarded annually to two full-time freshmen
print journalism majors on the basis of financial need and academic merit.
Belanger, who died in January 2000 at age 85, earned both a bachelor's
degree ('35) and a master's degree ('71) from Marshall. She was a writer
and editor for The Herald-Dispatch for 50 years, continuing to write columns
and features after her retirement in 1977. She most recently was the newspaper's
fine arts editor.
"Ms. Belanger was a journalism pioneer," said Dr. Ralph J. Turner,
professor of journalism and mass communications. "She was doing hard
news stories when it was not yet fashionable for women, most of whom worked
in the then 'society sections' of newspapers rather than news area. While
she was able to be an assertive, digging reporter, she was so accomplished
at it that she could do it without coming across as overly assertive.
She was respected as a person in addition to the respect she earned as
a journalist."
"Another aspect about 'Bill,' as everyone knew her, was that she
really cared about the community she reported on all those years. She
cared about people, too."
"Bill Belanger had a close working relationship with the School of
Journalism," said Dr. George Arnold, also professor of journalism.
"She was a member of our Hall of Fame, and the Best Columnist of
the Year writing award was named in her honor. We are so appreciative
of the fact that she would leave us this scholarship."
Belanger also was a longtime supporter of the arts. A program of the Marshall
Artists Series is named the Belanger Series in recognition of her longtime
support of the cultural series.
"Ms. 'Bill' Belanger was well known and loved in the Huntington community,"
said Carolyn Hunter, vice president for development. "Her career
in journalism and interest in the arts made her very special. We at Marshall
are so appreciative of her generosity and look forward to awarding this
important scholarship."
More information about the Estelle Margaret "Bill" Belanger
Scholarship may be obtained by calling (304) 696-6214
.Marshall honors students, advisors
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- Marshall University's Student Affairs office recently honored students and advisors who give back to the MU campus and the community. The awards focus on campus involvement and leadership. "I think it is important that we recognize the achievements of our student leaders," said Steve Hensley, Dean of Student Affairs.
Faculty and campus student organizations made nominations, and a selections
committee made final decisions based on the nominations. The following awards were presented:
The Student Life Award was presented to Jasper Black, Beth Lewis and Mary C. "Christy" Hays, for being an integral part of student life on campus.
The Emerging Leader Award was given to Mary Brumley, Sara Jones, Crystal Lovett, Greg Harkins, Sara Surber, Eliot Wilson and Kim Cochran. These students earned the award for past, present and future leadership endeavors.
Students were awarded for academic excellence and outstanding contributions to Marshall University with the Leader/Scholar Award. Erin Locy, Travis Yednak, David DeSario, Anthony Fowler, Lancen Tully and Casey Forren received this award.
The President's Achievement Award was presented to Christy Hays for her achievements and exemplary contributions to Marshall University.
Erin Dager won the Dean's Award in recognition of her academic excellence, dedication and support to the university.
The Marco Award was presented to students for their exemplary school spirit, academic excellence and campus involvement. This award was presented to Kevin Ellenberg, Courtney Blain, Lindsay Hammill, Brianne Erwin, Jamie Meeks and Claudia Williamson.
The Senior Key Award was given to Sarah Elaine Benda, Bill Majdalany, Courtney Bailes, Charles Feldhaus, Leslie Pack, April Oakes, Kristin McConaha and Bree Whip. This award is in recognition of the outstanding contributions the students made to the university, by exemplifying the qualities that every graduate should.
Marshall University's Most Outstanding Organization award was presented to Circle K for outstanding dedication and support of the Marshall University campus and the surrounding community.
The Most Valuable Member award was presented to students for their dedication and support of the following organizations: Charles Feldhaus, Newman Association; Jessica M. Honaker, Alpha Epsilon Delta; Matt Cummings, Kappa Alpha Order; Natalie Ray, Student Government Association; Shannon James, Alpha Chi Omega; Jennifer Hargis, Student Activities Programming Board; Molly Haught, Sigma Sigma Sigma; Jane Horton, United Methodist
Students; Jessica Casto, Habitat for Humanity; and Adrienne Mays, Habitat for Humanity.
For their exemplary representation of Marshall University through dedication and service to the surrounding community, the following students were awarded the Marshall University Service Award: Garreth Hevner, Abe Mwuara, Jonathan Bruni, Rosemarie Santos, Courtney Saunders and Sheanna Smith. WMUL-FM Radio, the Muslim Student Association and United Community for a United Campus (UCUC) were presented the Marshall University Multicultural Contributions Award. These organizations won the award for their high regard
for diversity and for promoting multiculturalism on campus.
Father Bill Petro, Chaplain of the Marshall Catholic Community Newman Center, was awarded the Marshall University Outstanding Advisor Award. Members of Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities and members of Omicron Delta Kappa were also recognized at the Leadership Banquet. Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities is a national organization that honors students for their academic achievement, community service, extracurricular activities leadership and potential for continued
success. The organization represents more than 1,900 institutions of higher learning. The following students will be honored in the organization's annual directory: Katrina Allan, Craig Bailey, Patricia Banning, Erin Brewer, Michael Brown, Margaret Chapman, Nichole Corrigan, Stan Dixon, Christopher Elvins, Christy Hays, James Kenneth Holley, Andrew Johnson,
Ashley Justice, Michelle Losekamp, Abraham Mwaura, Kelly Posey, James Rader, Natalie Ray, Stephen Stapleton, Kenneth Daniel Vickers, Soraya Whitehurst and Vanessa Williamson.
Omicron Delta Kappa recognizes superior scholarship, leadership and exemplary character. ODK has more than 160,000 members. The following Marshall University students joined the organization: Sarah Elaine Benda, Randy Lee Boggs, Julia M. Cypers, Amy Edmonds, Christy Hays, Bill Majdalany, Jeremy Mallow, Maria Santone, Ben Simerman, Monique Smith, James Spence, Angela Spiker, Rebecca Stewart and Alissa Whitt. Faculty inductees to the
organization were P. Andy Hermansdorfer and B. David Ridpath.
