TCNJ News
For Immediate Release
April 10, 2008
Students selected as Matrix Awards scholarship winners by NY Women in Communications, Inc.
EWING, NJ … Junior English major Katerina Gkionis and sophomore journalism & professional writing/interactive multimedia major Kelli Plasket have been selected as recipients of this year’s Matrix Awards scholarship competition, sponsored by New York Women in Communications (NYWICI). In addition to receiving money toward tuition, Gkionis and Plasket will also serve as student ambassadors, attending NYWICI events throughout the course of the year and contributing to the organization’s various committees.
The winners of the scholarship were selected by an appointed NYWICI Scholarship Committee on the basis of their academic achievements, leadership, community-service activities, honors, and contribution to the communications field. After a review of an essay application, the committee required finalists to sit down for an in-person interview in New York City.
"We are proud to acknowledge the exemplary work of these young women, as they exemplify a high standard of excellence towards their future careers," said Betsy Morgan, CEO of the Huffington Post and president, New York Women in Communications Foundation. "There is no better way to honor New York Women in Communications' mission to promote professional advancement and to inspire women to 'Take the Lead' than to recognize this year's group of talented scholarship recipients."
This year’s designated mentor for the scholarship recipients is Tammy Tibbetts ’07, who majored in journalism & professional writing major at TCNJ. A past Matrix Award winner and a now a member of NYWICI, Tibbetts currently edits MisQuinceMag.com and MyPromStyle.com for Hearst Digital Media.
The New York Women in Communications Foundation is the largest foundations for communications scholarships for women in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, administering more $100,000 or more in total scholarship monies annually. Scholarships are awarded each Spring based on academic achievement, need, demonstrated leadership, participation in school and community-service activities, honors and other awards or recognition, work experience, statement of goals and aspirations, unusual personal and/or family circumstances and a passion for a career in communications.
In recognition of their award, Gkionis and Plasket appeared with the other scholarship recipients on CBS’ Early Show on Monday, April 7 to help present the weather segment. They were also honored at the Matrix Awards banquet at the Waldorf-Astoria, in the company of fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg and ABC anchor Robin Roberts.
