Marquette Names Scholarship in Honor of Legendary Journalist Mattiebelle Woods Released: July 26, 2005 Marquette University has named a scholarship in honor of journalism pioneer Mattiebelle Woods. The scholarship is $1,000 per year for four years and will be awarded to an incoming freshman in the Diederich College of Communications. The recipient is Keith R. Jamerson, an African-American student from Los Angeles, California. "Mattiebelle Woods passed on her love of life to many in Milwaukee and paved the way for women and minority journalists throughout our nation,” said Marquette University Provost Madeline Wake. “Through this scholarship at Marquette, we honor her hard work and pioneering spirit as we support the next generation of journalists.” Keith Jamerson, the recipient of this scholarship, excelled in academics and sports at Santa Monica High School. He was a member of the varsity football team all four years and a varsity track team member since his sophomore year. Additionally, he participated in community service projects, including tutoring struggling minority students in advance placement courses and volunteering at the concession stand at various school events. He will begin his freshman year at Marquette this August. Mattiebelle Woods was acclaimed as the first lady of Milwaukee's black press. She died this past February at the age of 102. Up until her death, she continued the work she began for the Milwaukee Courier in 1964 as the society columnist. She was believed to be the oldest working journalist in the nation. In her career, she wrote for the Chicago Defender, the Milwaukee Defender, the Milwaukee Star, the Milwaukee Globe and as a freelancer for Ebony and Jet magazines. Office of Public Affairs Contacts Brigid O'Brien Miller Director of University Communication Phone: (414) 288-7445 Send e-mail Anne Broeker Sr. Media Relations Specialist Phone: (414) 288-0286 Send e-mail