Hannah Onder, a sophomore mass communication major, becomes the first student from Texas Wesleyan to be awarded a scholarship from the Headliners Foundation of Texas. Onder was among 16 students awarded scholarships from the foundation this year.

Onder applied for the scholarship in Spring 2017 after Dr. Kay Colley, chair and associate professor of mass communication, suggested Onder apply.

“I am grateful to Dr. Colley for suggesting it to me and Dr. Ferman for writing me an excellent letter of recommendation,” Onder said.

Onder’s scholarship for $2,000 will be split between the Fall 2017 and Spring 2018 semesters.

She had the opportunity to attend the 2017 Mike Quinn Awards Luncheon at the Headliners Club in Austin on Sept. 16, where scholarship winners were also honored. At the event, Onder met with other students and professional journalists who are passionate about the field.

“I felt very honored to be selected for this award after only working for a college newspaper for a year at that time,” she said. “It was fun to meet and network with the other students and professionals at the Headliners Luncheon.”

The Headliners Foundation was founded over 30 years ago to recognize student’s commitment to journalism and reward them, so they can reach their goals in the field.

“It is with great pride that we recognize students like Hannah with scholarships designed to assist them in reaching their journalistic goals,” said Patti C. Smith, Headliners Foundation Academic Excellence Chair and International Media Consultant. “Their commitment to journalistic excellence across all disciplines is exemplary and worthy of this recognition.”