Jim Murray Memorial Foundation Ramps Up Journalism Scholarship Drive

LA QUINTA, Calif., Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The late LOS ANGELES TIMES columnist Jim Murray, a former TIME correspondent and a founder of SPORTS ILLUSTRATED who was one of only four sportswriters ever to receive the Pulitzer Prize, recognized the value and vital role of responsible journalism in society. Since 2000, the Jim Murray Memorial Foundation has continued its namesake's professional dedication and legacy through a national scholarship program funded by corporate and private donations – awarding almost $400,000 in scholarships to 73 journalism students at 27 different colleges and universities across the country.

"With journalism evolving by the hour, it is of paramount importance to promote humility and responsibility in the profession as well as maintain the integrity of the written word," says Linda McCoy-Murray, Jim's widow, who established the Foundation and scholarship program shortly after her husband's death in 1998 and serves as its president. "Strong training in reading and writing is essential to all forms of journalism, including broadcast and electronic. Through our competitive journalism scholarships, we identify the cream of the student crop – and on the funding front, a collective effort is critical to perpetuating both the program and Jim's legacy."

Each Murray Scholar receives a $5,000 award through a competition based on second- and third-year print journalism experience, student eligibility and written essays judged by nationally recognized journalists and sportswriters selected by the Foundation. The 2010 honorees, announced in August, are Tyson Alger, University of Montana; Eric Smith, Arizona State University; Michael Stainbrook, Ohio University-Athens; Samuel Sukaton, UCLA; and Cristina Conti, Trinity College-Hartford (Jim Murray's alma mater). Previous Murray Scholars include ESPN.com columnist Arash Markazi and Associated Press writer Ryan Pearson.

The Foundation is in immediate need of an additional $5,000 in funding to fulfill its awards to this year's Murray Scholars. Please contact Linda McCoy-Murray at 760.771.8972 or [email protected] for sponsorship details and benefits. For more on the Foundation and its scholars, please visit www.jimmurrayfoundation.com.

SOURCE Jim Murray Memorial Foundation