This scholarship was established by Thais Baltnik, a graduate of West Liberty State College, to encourage excellence in communication.
Thais Blatnik, a West Virginia Senator from the 1st District, received a Board of Reagents AB from WLSC in 1976. Her husband, Albert Blatnik, a member of the faculty and staff of WLSC from 1957 to 1986, served as Professor of Education and Director of the School of Health and Physical Education. He graduated WLSC in 1949 with an AB in Education. He subsequently received a master’s degree from University of Pittsburgh and a doctorate from West Virginia University.
The scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $1,000, to be distributed over a one-year period at the rate of $500 per semester. Recipients must commit to work in one of the communication activities of the department such as The Trumpet, television or broadcasting.
Requirements: To maintain eligibility, students must hold a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above at the end of their first semester and keep a journalism specialization. If a student becomes ineligible or leaves college, a new recipient will be identified from the next incoming freshman class. One scholarship shall be granted every year.