Edward P. Bassett Family Scholarship for Public Service Journalism

Edward P. Bassett was a leading American journalism educator who led programs at five universities, including Northwestern University and the University of Southern California, and directed newspaper organizations such as the Gannett chain. In his four-decade career, Ed was also a reporter and editor at the Louisville Courier-Journal, Providence Journal, and Statesman Journal. One of his daughters and her husband, both UMass Amherst and Massachusetts Daily Collegian alumni, established this award in Ed’s honor and to support the education of students with a demonstrated interest in public service journalism (such as analytical journalism, accountability journalism, data-driven journalism, investigative journalism, and similar forms of journalism that serve the public good). Students who have financial need are especially encouraged to apply, and previous scholarship recipients are welcome to reapply.

Eligible students will be in good academic standing and have a demonstrated interest in public service journalism, with preference given to journalism majors and students who demonstrate financial need.