From Our Archive
April 19, 2006
Scripps Howard Foundation creates
Donald L. Perris Scholarship Fund
CINCINNATI – The Scripps Howard Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The E. W. Scripps Company, has established a $1.25 million scholarship and internship fund in memory of long-time Scripps broadcasting executive Donald L. Perris, who died March 7 at the age of 82.
The endowed fund, which will be administered by
the Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University, is
part of a ten-year, $15 million commitment the Foundation has
made to the university to support media studies programs,
scholarships and technological improvements.
The Donald L. Perris
Scholarship/Internship Fund will provide grants for
undergraduate students at OU who are working toward degrees
across all media disciplines, including broadcasting.
“Don Perris was a consummate
professional who loved nothing more than to mentor younger
colleagues who demonstrated great promise,” said Judith G.
Clabes, president and chief executive officer of the Scripps
Howard Foundation. “I can think of no finer tribute than
establishing a perpetual memorial in Don’s name that will help
educate media professionals for generations to
come.”
Perris served as president
and chief executive officer of Scripps Howard Broadcasting
Company, a subsidiary of Scripps, for 14 years before retiring
in 1988. He began his career at Scripps in 1943 as a copy boy
at The Cleveland Press. In 1948, he became a news reporter and
furnace tender at the broadcasting company’s first television
station, WEWS-TV in
“In many ways, Don Perris was way
ahead of his time,” said Kenneth W. Lowe, president and chief
executive officer of Scripps. “Having witnessed firsthand
television’s emergence as a powerful communication platform,
he knew as well as anyone that the business of media and the
habits of media consumers were always changing. This
scholarship fund is in recognition of Don’s vision for our
industry and lifelong dedication to his
craft.”
Contributions to the Donald L.
Perris Scholarship/Internship Fund can be made through either
the Scripps Howard Foundation or the Ohio University
Foundation. The Scripps Howard Foundation will match gifts of
any amount. Donors choosing to donate stock are asked to
contact the Foundation for
details.
About Scripps Howard Foundation
The Scripps
Howard Foundation, established in 1962, strives to
advance the cause of a free press through support of
excellence in journalism, quality journalism education and
professional development. The Foundation helps build healthy
communities and improve the quality of life through support of
sound educational programs, strong families, vital social
services, enriching arts and culture and inclusive civic
affairs.
Contact: Judy
Clabes, Scripps Howard Foundation, 513-977-3048, clabes@scripps.com