The Ryan Rendleman Photojournalism Scholarship honors a 22-year-old senior, who died April 29, 2008, south of Nashville. The crash occurred less than two weeks before Rendleman was to earn his bachelor’s degree. Family members accepted Rendleman’s diploma posthumously during commencement ceremonies that spring.

Although the school $25,000 necessary to create the endowed scholarship, donations will always be accepted to grow this fund. The first recipient of the award was Emily Sunblade.

“We’re thrilled with the outpouring of support for the Ryan Rendleman Photojournalism Scholarship,” said Gary P. Kolb, interim dean of the College of Mass Communication and Media Arts.

This scholarship will continue to aid future photojournalism students in pursuing their dreams as Ryan was pursuing his,” Kolb said. “It will further the goals of the photojournalism program as well to become one of the best in the nation.”

William H. Freivogel, director of the School of Journalism, said, he’s “gratified we’ve got such a good start on the scholarship.”

Rendleman’s parents have held fund-raising events in Batavia, Ryan's home town. Other fundraisers were held connection with Barrett Rochman and Blue Sky Vineyards.

Contact MCMA development officer Ron Graves at 618/453-4748 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information on the scholarship or to contribute.