The following scholarships are available to graduate students. Upon admission to the program, students will be considered for these awards:

KIM WILLIAMS FELLOWSHIPS 

Kim Williams Fellowships are awarded to graduate students in journalism who are interested in environmental reporting. Family and friends of Kim Williams honor her achievements as a naturalist, writer and radio commentator with these fellowships. Kim earned her master’s degree in journalism and environmental studies from the University of Montana in 1980. She was author of a number of books, including “Kim Williams’ Book of Uncommon Sense,” and was a regular guest commentator on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered.”

BILLINGS FAMILY FELLOWSHIP

The Billings Family Fellowship is awarded to a female graduate student with outstanding potential as a public affairs reporter. Leon Billings and family members honor the memory of his wife, Patricia Harstad Billings, and his parents, Harry and Gretchen Billings, with this scholarship (established on 1991). Harry, a 1933 Journalism School graduate, together with Gretchen, published the People’s Voice, a liberal newspaper in Helena, from 1946 to 1969. They received national honors for their work. Patricia, a 1958 University of Montana graduate, served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates.

TED DELANEY FELLOWSHIP

The Ted Delaney Fellowship is awarded to a graduate student with outstanding potential as a writer. The Delaney fund was established in 1985 by M.J. Maclay Delaney in memory of her husband, Ted, who was a 1947 J-School graduate, successful Missoula businessman, and former president of the University of Montana Alumni Association. It is awarded to a graduate student who demonstrates excellent writing ability and promise as a teacher.

A.B. GUTHRIE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The A.B. Guthrie Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a graduate student in journalism with demonstrated talent and promise as a writer.  A.B. Guthrie was a 1923 graduate of the School of Journalism who won a Pulitzer Prize in 1950 for his book “The Way West.” He worked as a newspaperman in Kentucky before devoting his life to work as a novelist. He was a leading figure in American literature and an acknowledged master of 20th-century fiction of the American West.

LOUIS M. AND DOROTHY MACLANE THAYER JOURNALISM SCHOLARSHIP

The Louis M. and Dorothy MacLane Thayer Journalism Scholarship is awarded to a graduate student in journalism. Dorothy “Marge” Thayer – a philanthropist, poet and career woman – created this fund to honor her parents, Louis M. Thayer and Dorothy MacLane Thayer, and her father’s newspaper career. Louis Thayer was a member of the Butte InterMountain newspaper staff in 1902 when he met and married Dorothy. He went on to work for the Montana Standard before moving to Helena, where he became managing editor of the Helena Independent, which later became the Independent Record. Marge Thayer died in 2011 in Helena.

MARK HENCKEL SCHOLARSHIP

The Mark Henckel Scholarship is awarded to a graduate student in journalism. Mark Henckel worked for the Billings Gazette for nearly 38 years. He was the Gazette’s first outdoors editor, writing stories that ranged from wildlife management policy to humorous tales of outings gone awry. Mark, who died suddenly in May 2010, also was known for his tireless advocacy of fishing, hunting and recreational interests. He received many writing, editing and community service awards during his career and devoted considerable time speaking on outdoor topics across Montana. He also spent time in classrooms, speaking about his love of the outdoors and encouraging students to learn more about hunting, fishing and camping. Mark’s family and colleagues at the Billings Gazette established this scholarship in his honor.