The Press Club of Southeast Texas awarded the 2009-2010 Press Club Memorial Scholarship to Julie Garcia of Port Neches, a senior communication major at Lamar University.

Garcia is now serving her second year as editor of the University Press, Lamar’s award-winning campus newspaper. Since her freshman year at Lamar, Garcia has worked at the UP as a writer, photographer and page designer.

She accepted the scholarship this fall at a general meeting of the press club. This summer, she worked as an intern at the San Antonio Express-News.

“I’ve always known I wanted to be a journalist, and my experience at the University Press and its involvement in the Press Club of Southeast Texas has enhanced my dream,” Garcia said. “I never thought my job at a campus newspaper would spur so many opportunities, such as scholarships, internships and the chance to work with professionals in a real journalistic setting.

The scholarship allowed me to focus on my studies and being editor at the UP for another year.”

With the help of Russ Schultz, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, Garcia said, she secured a two-month internship at the San Antonio-Express News last summer.

“The moment I was in the office, I knew this is the life for me. I’d like to thank those who selected me to receive the Press Club scholarship, and I hope members of the club know how much it meant to me.”

The scholarship – $1,000 per academic year –  is awarded through an endowment in the Lamar University Foundation. At its annual Excellence in the Media/Newsmaker of the Year banquet June 5, the Press Club added $15,000 to the scholarship endowment, bringing it to $55,000.

“This year has been incredible. To see our scholarship recipient to do so much with her degree, even before she had graduated, is so rewarding,” said Debbie Bridgeman, 2009 Press Club of Southeast Texas president. “The year set new records with our annual contest and banquet; extraordinary speakers were featured at our monthly general meetings; and members – as well as future members – were encouraged to keep striving for excellence in communications. The vision of the club for 2010 looks extremely bright.”

Under Garcia’s leadership, the University Press earned first-place awards for its coverage of Hurricane Ike from both the Society of Professional Journalists and the Press Club. Over the past two years, the UP has received 25 Press Club awards, including, several individual awards for Garcia. The UP also has been honored by the Texas Associated Press Managing Editor, the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and other professional organizations.

The Press Club will conduct its annual meeting and installation of officers during a holiday party Dec. 4 in the Tradewinds Room of the MCM Elegante’ Hotel and Conference Center. Activities will be from 7 to 11 p.m., including snacks and a cash bar. The event is open to members of the Press Club of Southeast Texas. If you’re interested in becoming a member or need additional information, call Debbie Bridgeman at (409) 835-5951, ext. 117.