Kathleen LaCorte (left) and Pamela Pruitt

Kathleen LaCorte of Franklin, a senior communication major, has been named the recipient of the 2006 Audrey Tanzer Scholarship for $1,000 from the New York chapter of the American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT).

The scholarship recognizes academic achievement and merit of students in broadcast communications. To be eligible, students must have a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average, major in broadcast communications, attend a college or university in New York City, New Jersey or Connecticut. They must submit a transcript, résumé, two letters of recommendation – one from a professor – and a typed essay of 300 words or less describing career goals.

In addition to the scholarship, the award also provides the opportunity for LaCorte to follow and observe professionals in the field of broadcast communications. She will observe Charlie Gibson on ABC’s “World News Tonight” and has already shadowed a senior vice president at CBS News Radio. After her shadowing placement at CBS, she was offered an internship for the 2007 spring semester.

"American Women in Radio and Television - New York City Chapter is thrilled to have Kathleen as this year's Audrey Tanzer Scholarship recipient,” said Pamela Pruitt, vice president for business development at WIMG radio station in Trenton and a member of the AWRT board of directors. “We are very proud of her and her accomplishments as she embarks upon a career in broadcast journalism after graduation. Her shadowing opportunities with ABC's World News Tonight and CBS Radio should be unforgettable experiences.”

LaCorte is a member of the Lamba Pi Eta communication honor society and Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society. She is involved in the Rider University Network, which is new at Rider this year, and takes advantage of the University’s television station facilities. She has also served as a disc jockey at Rider’s WRRC radio station and is a past financial vice president of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority. As a student admissions representative, she interviews prospective students.

LaCorte also studied abroad in London, England, during the 2006 spring semester. She credited Dr. Pamela Brown, professor of communication, with helping her secure the ARWT scholarship and with encouraging her to study abroad. Brown mailed the application to LaCorte in London and encouraged her to apply. LaCorte is also a District 33 committeewoman in her hometown of Franklin and is a member of the Franklin Republican Club.

When she graduates from Rider in May 2007, LaCorte hopes to attend graduate school for broadcast news.

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