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June 08, 2020

Senior at La Roche Awarded Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship

Julia FeltonPITTSBURGH, June 8, 2020 – Julia Felton, an English studies: professional writing and journalism student at La Roche University, is the recipient of the Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship awarded by the Tribune-Review.

Trib Total Media annually selects one Western Pennsylvania student who receives up to $30,000 in scholarship funds, a summer internship at Trib Total Media and, upon graduation, an offer for full-time employment.

“I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in journalism, so this opportunity immediately seemed like a perfect fit for me,” Ms. Felton said, “I wanted a career with meaning and a career in journalism provides that.”

The scholarship, commemorating former Tribune-Review managing editor Jim Borden, is focused on the development of young reporters, helping them grow as journalists and as people.

“I see real significance in the field of journalism—it is imperative to have a free press in an educated democratic society,” Ms. Felton said. “I’m inspired by the thought that my writing could inspire or educate people on important issues in our society.”

Ms. Felton began her summer internship this week at Trib Total Media’s Tarentum location. Upon graduation she plans to accept the full-time position offer.

A senior, Ms. Felton has completed multiple internships including: campaign writer for District Attorney Stephen Zappala; research and design intern for the Depreciation Lands Museum; marketing intern for Little Italy Productions; research and design intern for Dr. Janine Bayer; and writing intern for Bansen Labs.

She is editor-in-chief of the La Roche Courier, the student newspaper, and a Providence Institute counselor. She also is president of La Roche’s karate club and a member of Sigma Tau Delta, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and the Honors Institute.

A graduate of Canon-McMillan High School, she is the daughter of Sam and Jennifer Felton.

Associate Professor and English Department Chair Janine Bayer, Ph.D., said, “An outstanding student, Ms. Felton is intelligent, diligent, focused, and responsible. Her passion for serious journalism is palpable—emanating from her very core. Ms. Felton stands as a beacon of hope for the future of journalism in this country, and I’m confident that she will make a significant impact in the field.”

La Roche’s Professional Writing and Journalism Program represents a unique and highly competitive opportunity. Students receive training in several critical areas: journalism; creative nonfiction; business communication; technical writing; creative writing; and writing for broadcast and social media.

English faculty include scholars, researchers, business professionals, award-winning poets and authors, and professors who hold years of experience in journalism, writing, education and media.



About La Roche University: A private liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 66 undergraduate programs of study, six master’s degrees and one doctoral degree, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, and health and medical sciences as well as interior design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for more than 1,400 men and women enjoying 30-plus student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.


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