Junior Communication major awarded $4,000 scholarship from Sigma Delta Chi Foundation

Lauren Galdeano, a junior at Marymount University majoring in Communication, has received a $4,000 scholarship for the 2020-21 academic year from the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation of Washington, D.C.
 
Galdeano is one of five aspiring journalists at Washington, D.C.-area universities who were awarded these journalism scholarships. Totaling $20,000, they are funded by contributions from members of the city’s chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, along with support from the Gridiron Club and Foundation and individual gifts to the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation from journalism education advocates.
 
A member of Marymount’s chapter of the national communication honor society Lambda Pi Eta, Galdeano is also the Managing Editor of the University’s student-produced newspaper, The Banner, and is set to become the Editor-in-Chief next year.
 
“I have been passionate about journalism and reporting since I was very young,” she explained. “As I take on this new role with The Banner, I hope to continue to gain more experience and work my way up to becoming an influential news reporter.”
 
“Lauren has a record of creating strong multimedia news stories and effective professional communication. In her capacities as a Communication student, a student assistant in our department and as Managing Editor of The Banner, she has been thoughtful, diligent, creative and skilled,” said Dr. Kimberly Meltzer, Associate Professor at Marymount and Chair of the Communication Department. “Lauren is dedicated to the pursuit of a career in the journalism and communication field and we know she will be successful on this path. We’re very thankful to the SPJ Sigma Delta Chi Foundation of Washington, D.C., for providing this opportunity that Lauren will use towards completing her Communication degree at Marymount.”
 
The five recipients, a group which also includes students from the University of Maryland, Howard University and George Mason University, were selected by a committee of journalists from a pool of area students who applied for the scholarships. Based on their applications, finalists were interviewed by the panel and questioned about their aspirations, journalism ethics, the First Amendment and related topics.
 
“Journalism needs well-trained practitioners today, more than ever,” said Reginald Stuart, President of the Washington, D.C., chapter of the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation. “We hope the students we have selected will be able to use this financial aid to reach their aspirations to continue helping our society appreciate and understand the value of a strong free press.”
 
Congratulations to Lauren for this award and for representing Marymount at the regional level – way to go!