San Diego Press Club Scholarship Foundation

One of the most important facets of membership is the support of the San Diego Press Club Foundation, which acts as the Club's educational arm. Sitting at the helm of this effort is Denise Vedder along with long-time club members Frank Saldana, Reid Carroll, Don Sevrens, Leonard Novarro, Kate Brausen and Tom Sprague. San Diego State Journalism professor Tim Wulfemeyer acts an advisor to the board.

Every year this small, but committed board has solicited young college journalism students to apply for the Joe Lipper Memorial Scholarship for university students and a career scholarship for the community college level. The scholarships range from $1,500 to $2,500. Joe Lipper was a long time Press Club member whose friends and family donated more than $10,000 to the scholarship fund in his memory. Recently, Will Parry, another long time, dedicated member passed away. His friends and family have contributed some $3,000 to the Foundation.

In the past 10 years, more than $25,000 has been awarded to students who have shown the most talent and promise in pursuing a career in journalism. Candidates are selected based on GPA, participation in community service and media-related internships. Also, students must submit a written essay that expresses their interest in a journalism career. Writing and producing news for college newspapers, radio and television stations is also a plus. Winners are recognized at the annual Journalism Awards banquet held in October. For more information, call Denise Vedder at 760-434-2957, or contact by e-mail: thevedders@sbcglobal.net .