Stelzer Stipend Application

The Richard J. Stelzer Starter Stipend provides outstanding graduating seniors with a bit of extra support as they move into their post-graduate life. The Stipend, made possible by a generous gift from Richard J. Stelzer, A&S '71, was created to help students headed into a media-related career meet some of the financial challenges they could face as they start their journey on their professional path.

The Stipend is intended only for outstanding graduating seniors who participated in student media at Vanderbilt. Applicants will be evaluated by the story they tell, how they express themselves, and their clarity of vision.

Winner(s) will receive a cash prize. Award amount is variable, depending on market fluctuations and other factors. Last year, this award was $3,000.

First Name: *

Full Middle Name: *

Last Name: *

Hometown (City, State, Country): *

VUNet ID: * 🛈

Graduation Month and Year: *

Major(s): *

School:

A&S

Engineering

Peabody

Blair

Email Address: *

Phone:

Please outline the organizations and/or activities within Vanderbilt Student Communications and campus media in which you’ve participated, including dates and any leadership roles you may have held.

Please explain why you believe you are a strong candidate for the Stipend.

Essay Upload (PDF)

ESSAY PROMPT: The exact contours of every professional career vary widely and are often impossible to determine precisely in advance. However, a clear sense of how you envision your own journey can be very helpful. Please share this with us, as well as an account of your personal history and a realistic assessment of the strengths you believe you will bring to your quest. (Note: Your essay may be shared with Richard J. Stelzer.) *

Please upload a current copy of your resume here:

If selected for a Stelzer Stipend, do you agree to maintain informal contact with VSC during the year following your graduation (this may include a report on your status, Zoom meeting with current VU students, etc.)?

Please select one: *

Yes

Please Enter your Full Name Below to Sign
By submitting this application, you are acknowledging the following: "I, undersigned, a currently enrolled student at Vanderbilt University, wish to apply for the Richard J. Stelzer Starter Stipend. I understand that the Stipend's purpose is to fund early career activities of graduating seniors who are on and/or eligible for need-based financial aid. I also understand that by applying, I will be voluntarily disclosing confidential information about my financial aid eligibility and status, and that this information will be provided to staff members administering the Stipend application process. I understand that information regarding my financial aid eligibility will only be used to determine my eligibility for the Stipend, and those who have access must keep information they receive confidential." *