Dan Smith Visual Journalism Scholarship Established by Heidi Berenson

Daniel R. Smith (1955-2025), an award-winning professional photographer and publications consultant, launched his career in impressive fashion serving as both a Photo Editor of the Massachusetts Daily Collegian and Editor-In-Chief of the UMass Index Yearbook. Dan (‘77) was creative, brilliant and kind, leaving a lasting impression on all he met. As UMass and the Collegian held a special place in his heart, this scholarship was launched by his partner Heidi Berenson (’79) to support students who are passionate about visual journalism across the range of formats, including digital, video, print, television, short docs and the “casts” (telecasts, webcasts, etc.). Journalism majors are eligible for this award, as well as non-majors who produce visual journalism at the Collegian or other UMass campus media (such as WMUA, UVC-TV19 and the Amherst Wire). Students with financial need are especially encouraged to apply.

Award
$1,500
Deadline
04/15/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. Please describe why you are passionate about visual journalism and how you intend to incorporate visual storytelling into your future endeavors. If you have already produced visual journalism, please share what you found most powerful, impressive, and/or valuable about that work. (Max: 300 words)
  2. Are you involved with the Collegian or other UMass campus media? If so, please describe the nature of your involvement. Involvement with campus media is only a requirement for this scholarship if you are *not* a Journalism major. (Max: 100 words)
  3. Please upload your current resume.
  4. (OPTIONAL) If you have already produced visual journalism, please attach up to three of your favorite pieces (e.g., image you photographed or a document with link(s) to a video you produced).
    • Example 1
    • Example 2
    • Example 3
  5. (OPTIONAL) Do you have any additional information that you would like to share with us pertaining to your financial need that was not already disclosed in your general application? If so, please share that with us here. The committee will be able to see your financial need as determined by the Financial Aid Office and the responses to your general application questions. Financial need is not a requirement for this scholarship, but it is a preference. (Max: 200 words)