This annual award honors John P. McMeel's legacy. It aims to advance, educate, and celebrate representative voices through media and the arts, focusing on critical issues related to a welcoming culture.
Award
Andrews McMeel Universal will award two $5,000 awards annually to sponsor a Rockhurst undergraduate or graduate student's communication, multimedia, or art project. Applicants must have a faculty member collaborate as a partner on this project.
The Project
To be considered for this award, the project must:
- Explore themes related to community engagement or meaningful lived experiences.
- Use media, communication, or the arts in an innovative way to highlight meaningful stories, viewpoints, or experiences.
- Have a broad reach and resonance within and beyond the Rockhurst community.
Previous applicants are welcome to reapply.
Evaluation Criteria
- How effectively does this work enhance learning, understanding, and education on critical issues related to social justice?
- What is the potential impact (reach and resonance) on the University's internal and external constituents and the community?
- How is the project innovative?
- How will the project creatively explore the challenges and opportunities to create a community of many voices, ideas, and innovation?
Application
- Applications are accepted online and are due March 21
- The application must include a faculty mentor, a three-page project proposal, and a budget outline.
Selection
- The selection committee consists of one member from the McMeel family, one staff member from Andrews McMeel Universal and Rockhurst faculty, staff, and alumni.
- The winning application will be announced at the Festival of Student Achievement on April 22.
Final project presentation
The final project will be presented at the Festival of Student Achievement in Spring 2026.
Questions? Please contact advancement@rockhurst.edu.