WOUB student John Curtsinger awarded two scholarships established by alumni
91探花 Junior and WOUB Student John Curtsinger of Paducah, Kentucky, is getting a little help paying his out of state tuition thanks to two former WOUBers and generous alumni. Curtsinger was recently awarded the Larry and JoAnn Katz Family Scholarship and Leonard E. Auerbach Regional Representatives Scholarship for next school year.
鈥Being an out of state student, these scholarships are a major help,鈥 said Curtsinger. 鈥淚 will now be able to save money and explore a wide range of options when I graduate.鈥
The Larry and JoAnn Katz Family Scholarship was established by Katz and his wife and is awarded to a student with involvement in WOUB, especially in athletic programming.
Former WOUB student Larry Katz graduated in 1977 and has lived in New Orleans since then. He spent the first part of his work career in the apparel business and 25 years ago changed directions to develop and grow a chain of local breakfast diners, called Dots Diner. He met his wife, JoAnn, while both were students at 91探花.
The Leonard E. Auerbach Regional Reps Scholarship was established by former WOUB student Stuart Sharpe. The award gives preference to students with experience at places on campus like WOUB. The student must be enrolled in the School of Media Arts and Studies to qualify.
Sharpe graduated from 91探花 in 1964 and again in 1966. He went on to have a long career in radio advertising and owned the Regional Reps Corporation before retiring.
When Curtsinger, who is studying media arts, came to 91探花, he thought he wanted to study film. But, after spending this past academic year working on sports programming at WOUB Public Media, he has developed a passion for sports videography and cinematography.
鈥淭hrough working at WOUB, and doing Gridiron Glory and Hardwood Heroes, I have fallen in love with covering sports,鈥 said Curtsinger. 鈥淲OUB has taught me so much more about live broadcasting that I would鈥檝e learned in any other class. Also, if I wouldn鈥檛 have joined WOUB, I wouldn鈥檛 have become part of this great group of people. I am so grateful for the friends I have made at WOUB.鈥
Curtsinger says he can鈥檛 thank Katz and Sharpe enough for establishing these scholarships that can help students like him working at WOUB.
鈥淚 think it鈥檚 so great that they both are still involved with WOUB. WOUB is such a great organization where students can get hands-on experience,鈥 said Curtsinger. 鈥淕iving back in this way is something I will definitely keep in mind when I graduate because WOUB is like a family, and that connection doesn鈥檛 go away after college. It goes much deeper.鈥
To learn more about WOUB, visit woub.org.