HWS News
28 August 2024 • Faculty Nguyen '26 Awarded Prestigious Washington Media Scholarship By Hope Von Dohlen '26
Joy Nguyen ’26 is one of only 65 college students nationwide to receive a Washington Media Scholars Foundation scholarship.
The Washington Media Scholars Foundation celebrates and rewards the exceptional talents of high-achieving students who are pursuing careers in media, communications and public policy. As a recipient of the Foundations’ scholarship, Joy Nguyen ’26 is one of 65 students to be selected from a record number of applicants from colleges and universities across the country based on academic merit, leadership potential and passion for media.
“Joy was one of the only students from a small liberal arts college that was accepted into the program,” says her adviser, Assistant Professor of Media and Society Harry Gu ’13. “I think [receiving the scholarship] is a testament to the kind of education and preparation offered by the Media and Society Program at HWS which made it possible for our student to compete with larger institutions with prominent media and journalism programs. I am very excited to see what she makes out of this fellowship.”
A double major in Economics and Media and Society, Nguyen was inspired to pursue a career in the media industry after taking “Intro to Media and Society” with Gu. She aspires to work as a media planner for an international media agency, such as Omnicom Media Group.
The Foundation’s scholarship provides recipients with not only financial support but also unique opportunities to gain hands-on experience, mentorship and access to industry professionals. This fall, she is studying abroad in London and intends to secure an internship in the media field while there. The scholarship will help offset her living costs.
On campus, Nguyen is head of marketing and public relations for the Provenzano Student Art Gallery, and a social media intern for both the Media and Society Program and the Office of Communications. She works at the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning, serves as secretary for the Asian Student Union, and is a member of the Advertising Club. This summer, she worked at the Boys and Girls Club of Geneva.
