Ferris State Torch Sports Editor Greg Buckner has recently been awarded a $1,000 scholarship by the Michigan Press Association.
A journalism and technical communications senior, Buckner said he was informed about his award this past holiday break.
“I felt pretty good winning the scholarship,” said Buckner. “With me being one of 10 people in the state to win the scholarship, it was nice to get recognized for my work and get my name out there.”
The annual scholarship is awarded to 10 public state-wide universities. Among the schools involved in the scholarship contest were Ferris State University, the University of Michigan, Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University, Western Michigan University, Northern Michigan University, Oakland University, Eastern Michigan University, Central Michigan University and Wayne State University.
MPA board member Janet Mendler said the scholarship was created to influence journalism students to maintain involvement in community journalism. She said many graduating journalism students are often interested in only larger publications such as the Washington Post and Wall Street Journal.
“A lot of young people have the idea that to be successful they had to go to larger newspapers,” said Mendler. “There is no other place for news that affects your life better than community newspapers.”
Mendler said Ferris has been involved with the MPA since 1990. According to Mendler, the university’s last MPA scholarship winner was awarded in 1995. Since then, Buckner has become the first Ferris student awarded the scholarship in the past 15 years.
Previous Ferris MPA scholarship recipients include Frank Eichenlaub, Tracy Birkenhauer, Mike Rich, Jody Hamilton, Marty O’Neill and Keith Martin.
Buckner said he currently plans to graduate in May and has many future career options to consider.
“I’ve got an opportunity in Oregon as a sports writer this summer that I’m considering,” said Buckner. “I’ve got options right now, and that’s a nice thing to have.”
Buckner will be honored at the MPA convention Jan. 28-30 at the Renaissance Center’s Detroit Marriott. n