Stephanie Lasica is a young public relations professional and the 2018 recipient of the Lou Cahill Scholarship in Communications. Stephanie was also named Brock University’s first Experiential Education Student of the Year. After graduating from the Media and Communication Studies program, Stephanie continued her studies by enrolling in Humber College’s Public Relations Graduate Certificate program. Stephanie has a passion for storytelling, volunteering and developing impactful relationships.

“It is a great honour to receive the Lou Cahill Scholarship. The award acknowledges my academic achievements and community involvement while supporting my goal to become a successful leader in the Canadian communications industry. I hope to motivate, inspire and provide mentorship to future students looking to apply to the scholarship program.” – Stephanie Lasica

Matthew Scott, the recipient of the 2019 Lou Cahill Scholarship in Communications, is now a recent graduate with an honours degree in Media and Communication Studies. While at Brock, he worked for BrockTV as a volunteer and a Senior Producer, showcasing the Niagara region through video content at events such as Niagara River Lions games, Brock Sports events, and on the BrockTV News. Matthew placed 2nd in the 2018 Dobson Marketing Case Competition and won 1st prize at the 2020 24-Hour Film Festival. In the future, he plans to pursue his interests in both sports and video production with a career in the sports marketing industry.

“I was honoured to be the recipient of the Lou Cahill Scholarship. To me, being recognized has allowed me to reflect back on all of my experiences throughout university. It is a reminder to how important it is to be engaged, not just in the classroom, but in the thriving Greater Niagara community as well.” – Matthew Scott

Nick Printup is the 2020 recipient of the Lou Cahill Scholarship in Communication. Nick is of Onondaga / Algonquin descent, a member of the beaver clan with maternal roots in Ohsweken (Six Nations of the Grand River), and a registered member of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation. An accomplished filmmaker, published author, social entrepreneur, and Honour’s student in Media & Communication, Nick is also a member of the President’s Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity and Decolonization and in 2019 received the Aboriginal Student Services Aboriginal Achievement Award. Nick has won multiple Indigenous logo design competitions and was a semi-finalist medal designer for the 2021 Canada Summer Games.

“This award is an honour and it feels great to be recognized for the work I am committed to. People do not engage in academic excellence, community involvement and charitable activities for awards—the acts themselves are their own reward. This scholarship takes it to the next level in celebrating what I have accomplished and I am truly grateful for the acknowledgement.” – Nick Printup

Rita Jokhaji is the 2021 recipient of the Lou Cahill Scholarship in Communication. She spent four years as a Business Communication student in the Department of Communication, Popular Culture and Film, where she served on the CPCF Student Society and as a peer mentor for Badgers Building Bridges. She also placed second in the 2019 Grant Dobson Marketing Case Competition, emceed the 2020 Terry O’Malley Lecture in Marketing and Advertising, and held the role of Social Media Coordinator for BUSU before graduating with First Class Standing in June of 2021. Rita now works as a Marketing Coordinator and continues to devote herself to personal and professional development.

“Learning that I had been awarded the Lou Cahill Scholarship in Communication made me feel very proud of my achievements. I experienced a lot of personal and professional growth over my four years of university and I believe this scholarship is a reflection of that, so overall, I felt very grateful.” – Rita Jokhaji