Adrian J Cotterill, Editor-in-Chief
The Foundation for Out of Home Advertising Research and Education (FOARE) announced the 14 students who will receive Foundation scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year. The FOARE Scholarship Program supports the education and career goals of those who are part of the out of home (OOH) advertising industry family as well as students who may have an interest in the industry or be in a position to shape its future. Since the program was established in 2001, 234 students have received FOARE scholarships.
The following recipients have been awarded USD 5,000 scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year.
General Scholarships
Patrick J. Eagan, from Greensboro, GA, is beginning his junior year and studying for an AB in Economics at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA. Patrick’s father, Kent Eagan, is the current Vice President of National Client Partnerships at Clear Channel Outdoor. His grandfather, Michael Eagan, worked in the out of home advertising industry for 35 years at RJ Reynolds, 3M National, and Clear Channel Outdoor. Patrick has earned a 4.0 GPA through two years at the University of Georgia. Because of his passion for economic research, Patrick plans to become a college professor. “In addition to the research aspect of a professor job,” Patrick said, “I look forward to the possibility of engaging with students and working to get future generations of college students as interested in economics as I am.” Alternatively, he can envision working for the Federal Reserve or a central bank. “Economics plays a crucial role in shaping modern society,” he said, “and its significance will only increase over time. I aspire to be part of the field to hopefully improve people’s lives.”
Olivia G. King, from Ardsley, NY, is entering her freshman year at SUNY Delhi, in Delhi, NY, and plans to study criminal justice. Her father is Jason D. King, the senior Vice President of Communications for Clear Channel Outdoor. Olivia believes that her experience playing volleyball has helped prepare her as she enters her freshman year and contemplates a career in criminal justice. “One lesson is that nothing is owed to me,” Olivia said. “My parents pushed me to work hard, remember to have fun, focus on myself and what I could control. I remember they said that how you work with difficult people and being on a team with challenging teammates teaches you to work with others.” She also recalled advice she got from her coach that confidence breeds good play and good play breeds confidence. “It’s an endless cycle,” she said. “It’s this mindset I’ll take with me to college and throughout life as I continue to tackle all adversities, challenges, and opportunities.”
Nicholas Levi, from Santa Clara, CA, is entering his first year studying for a JD at the Santa Clara University School of Law in Santa Clara, CA. Nicholas’ father, Daniel Levi, is the Chief Marketing Officer at Clear Channel Outdoor. Nicholas attributes an internship at the Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA) for sparking his interest in the law and a career in government affairs. “This internship showed me how relationships can be leveraged to achieve policy goals,” he said, “and that good policy alone doesn’t necessarily have the driving force that a good relationship with constituents, industry leaders, and lawmakers could provide. These lessons became invaluable in so many ways.” Nicholas plans to focus his legal career on intellectual property, compliance, antitrust, and policy implementation in the technology industry.
Jackson Pate, from Madison, AL, is entering his freshman year at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL. He plans to seek a B.S. in Business Management with a focus on entrepreneurship. Jackson’s father, Justin Pate, is a Senior Account Manager for Trailhead Media and previously worked for Adams Outdoor and MH Outdoor. His grandparents, Troy LaDon Pate and Betty Pate, owned Pate Advertising and Legacy Media. His uncle, Kyle Glover, also started Glover Media Group, an Alabama-based out of home advertising company. Jackson plans to become an attorney working in the OOH industry. “Being around so many entrepreneurs in my family who are all in the billboard industry has rubbed off on me,” he said, “and has inspired me to want to do the same thing. My ultimate goal is to help small billboard companies as an attorney. Each company my family has owned has needed the assistance of a billboard attorney at varying times.” Jackson added that he takes pride in “wanting to carry the torch my family lit” many years ago. “Maybe one day, my children will carry the torch that my grandfather picked up in 1982.”
Zachary Schwartz, from New Rochelle, NY, is entering his sophomore year at The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH, and hopes for a career in the OOH advertising industry. He is the son of Mitch Schwartz, who works for OUTFRONT as the vice president of government affairs for the eastern U.S. and Canada. Zachary has worked as a summer intern this year at OUTFRONT’s Boston, MA office, where he has focused on learning more about the real estate part of the OOH industry. “Every advertisement needs a well-chosen platform to reach its intended audience effectively,” he said. “That means a plot of land, a train platform, a bus, or a train. Someone must strike a deal with the property owner or government owned transit agency that allows the advertising structure to exist. These deals can be very complex and that’s why I am fascinated by the real estate aspect of outdoor advertising.” Zachary also has been very active in his community working to help provide food and toiletries for the homeless community. He also committed time to volunteer for Best Buddies to assist children with disabilities, including teaching them to play baseball, and he has helped to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
The Allman Family Business Development, Marketing, and Sales Scholarship
Alessandra Bruno, from Middletown, CT, was selected to receive theAllman Family Business Development, Marketing, and Sales Scholarship. The Allman Family Scholarship, established by Don and Cathy Allman, recognizes the important link between sales, marketing, and business development. Alessandra is pursuing an MBA at Central Connecticut State University. She has worked for Clear Channel Outdoorfor nearly ten years beginning as a sales coordinator and then working in the Revenue Management department. She is now the Manager of Revenue Management for Clear Channel Outdoor and recently decided to return to school. “I love what I do,” Alessandra said ”but I recognized that if I wanted to move from a worker role to leadership role, I needed to further my education – which is why I enrolled in an MBA program. After a decade out of the classroom, I’m loving learning in an academic setting again. I am what I fondly refer to as an Out-of-Home ‘lifer,’ so I hope to use this degree to move forward in my career by progressing further into management and leadership roles.” In between a full-time job and the MBA program, Alessandra describes herself as an ‘avid knitter’ who uses any extra yarn she has to make hats and blankets to donate to a local shelter.
The Vern and Elaine Clark Outdoor Advertising Industry “Champion” Scholarship
Abigail Govero, from St. Charles, MO, was named the recipient of the Vern and Elaine Clark Outdoor Advertising Industry “Champion” Scholarship. The scholarship recognizes a student who demonstrates through their academic life, community activities, and career goals the skills that made Vern Clark, a long-time industry champion, successful in his efforts. Abigail is entering her freshman year at the University of Mississippi and plans to seek a BSN in Nursing. Abigail’s mother, Laura Alferman Govero, has had a long history of working in the out of home advertising industry and currently works at OUTFRONT in St. Louis as an advertising account executive since 2016. Prior to working at OUTFRONT, Abigail’s mother worked at D’Arcy, MediaVest, Starcom, and Billups Worldwide. Abigail said she has wanted to work in health care since the age of four – a decision that was recently reinforced by serving as a student mentor for special needs children as part of her membership in the National Honor Society. She acknowledged being apprehensive about working with special needs children. “I had no experience working with special needs children and was unsure how helpful I would be,” she said. “I was quickly drawn to one child in particular because of her cheerful disposition despite her disability. She would smile every time I walked into the room. Just being at school was difficult for her. Most of the tasks I did to help seemed small, but I was eager to make an impact on her, and I know she has made a huge one on me.” Abigail hopes to become either a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner specializing in pediatrics. In addition to earning a 4.0 GPA in high school, Abigail was very active in high school as a member of the volleyball, basketball, and track teams. She also served on the Student Council. “I believe that giving back to your community is one of the best ways to make a difference,” she said.
The Nancy Fletcher Leadership Scholarship
Mia Pickett, from Seattle, WA, was named the recipient of the Nancy Fletcher Leadership Scholarship.The scholarship is awarded to a woman with a specific connection to the OOH industry, who has demonstrated leadership qualities and skills. The scholarship recognizes the work of Nancy Fletcher, who served for 28 years as the President and CEO of the Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA). Mia is entering her junior year at Pitzer College in Claremont, CA and is seeking a B.A. in Anthropology. Her mother, Simone Davis, has worked in the OOH industry for 20 years and now operates Mixed Company Media Group, an OOH strategy and buying agency. Previously, Mia’s mother worked for MacDonald Media and Billups Worldwide. Mia’s goal is to obtain a graduate degree in public health and a PhD in anthropology with an emphasis on medical anthropology. Her goal is to revolutionize the health care system through the social sciences to ensure equal access and care for all. As an undergraduate, she has focused on examining injustices within the medical system. “Over the years,” she said, “I have educated myself on the severe injustices within the medical system and have found myself committed to finding solutions to eliminate health disparities, especially for black mothers who die at five times the rate of their white counterparts during labor and delivery.” Her passion has led to her working during the summers as a lab research assistant in the infectious diseases division at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, Washington. She attributes her love of learning and commitment for bringing about change to Ms. Marletta Iwasyk, her kindergarten teacher. By the time, Mia entered kindergarten, Miss Marletta, as she was known, had been teaching kindergarten for 41 years after graduating from college in 1968 as a single mother of three children. Miss Marletta only recently retired after 56 years of teaching at the age of 85. “Miss Marletta is a testament to ‘if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life,’” Mia said. “Miss Marletta’s classroom was warm and inviting and became a second home for many of us. Her students were like a family and she treated each of us with dignity and respect. She taught me how to read, write, and spell, how to advocate for myself and others – and most importantly how to be kind.” Mia said that Miss Marletta continues to inspire her to take risks and make a difference. “Miss Marletta is a huge advocate for liberty and justice for ALL and as her former student,” she added, “I hope to continue her legacy and be an agent of change in her honor.”
The Joseph Zukin Jr. Educational Opportunity Scholarship
Two students have been named to receive the Joseph Zukin Jr. Educational Opportunity Scholarshipfor 2024-2025. The scholarship was established in 2021 to recognize the work ethic and commitment to community engagement that were hallmarks of the life of Joseph Zukin Jr., who was inducted into the OAAA Hall of Fame in 2013. Although his career in out of home advertising began in 1968, Mr. Zukin’s career spanned more than half a century and included starting several business ventures, including an amusement park, service stations, and radio stations – all of which reflected and contributed to the unprecedented economic boom in California following World War II. One of Mr. Zukin’s defining traits was his compassion for others, especially those who might need a helping hand. He always believed in treating all people with respect and honesty and that all people are equal.
Tosan Obatoyinbo, from Bethesda, MD, who will be entering his sophomore year at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY, in pursuit of a B.A. in Finance and Entrepreneurship, has been designated to receive the Joseph Zukin Jr. Educational Opportunity Scholarship. Tosan considers himself a product of the out of home advertising industry. Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, Tosan noticed a billboard advertising tryouts for an elite swim club. He made the team when he was in 8th grade, broke multiple club records, and represented Nigeria on the Junior National Team. Through a poster at the national stadium, he learned of a chance to study at a U.S. preparatory school and after a rigorous application process, he was accepted and attended St. Georges Preparatory School in Middletown, RI as a swimming recruit. “Many say that finding your platform is finding your power,” he said, “and this has been true for me.” Through his high school studies, Tosan learned the value of collaboration and personal growth. He referenced a speech made by a friend at St. Georges for helping him appreciate the relationship between individual achievement and collaboration. In the remarks, Tosan’s friend compared this group of friends to a band that excelled individually playing separate instruments, but that, together, made good music. “It made me realize that I still have much self-discovery and growth ahead,” Tosan said, “and I recognized that college would be the ideal environment to pursue these aspirations. This revelation has driven my decision to seek a college education. Understanding that college is a place for self-discovery, I recognized the necessity of pursuing higher education to unlock my full potential and achieve true growth.”
Jace Stringer, from Klamath Falls, OR, who will be entering his freshman year at the University of Oregon, in pursuit of a B.A. in business and disability studies, also has been designated to receive the Joseph Zukin Jr. Educational Opportunity Scholarship. Jace, who is passionate about business, sports management, and disability studies, wants to pursue a doctorate in business administration and work in the sports management industry. His goal is to combine business and sports management with disability advocacy work to support businesses in becoming more inclusive for people who experience disabilities. Part of this goal includes ensuring parents of young children with disabilities are educated on both civil rights and creating and fulfilling their child’s dreams and their dreams for their child despite the child’s disability. These goals reflect Jace’s own experiences who was born with hemiplegia cerebral palsy and Goldenhar Syndrome, a rare congenital syndrome characterized by abnormal development of the eye, ear, and spine. By the time he was seven years old, he already had 17 surgeries. “From the week I came home from the hospital and for the entirety of the last 17 years of my life,” he said, “I have been in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, horseback riding therapy, aqua therapy, and participated in many clinical trials and unique medical treatments, so that I can be at the point I am at now.” Despite his health care challenges, Jace has maintained a steadfast commitment to his education and personal development. He describes himself as an “athlete who experiences cerebral palsy” and “against all odds” played freshman basketball in high school. His coach wrote that he was an inspiration for him and the team “showing what real grit looks like.” Jace also experienced the disappointment of “being cut” from high school athletic teams due to his disability. He excelled in his academic studies earning a 3.76 GPA in high school. “What did all this teach me?” Jace asked. “Persistence accomplishes goals, resiliency is essential to progress, and always looking forward to what’s next is what keeps me focused.”
The Ruth Segal Scholarship
Samuel Schwartz, from New Rochelle, NY, is entering his senior year at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD, studying for a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Business. He is the son of Mitch Schwartz, who works for OUTFRONT as the vice president of government affairs for the eastern U.S. and Canada. The scholarship was established to recognize a student studying social services, political science, communications, law, or a related discipline. The scholarship is named after a long-time member of the Out Of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA) staff, who worked tirelessly to educate federal and state policymakers about the OOH advertising industry. As he now enters his senior year, Samuel credits an internship at the OAAA for influencing his decision on a future career. “In this internship with the OAAA as well as my other experiences,” he said, “I’ve realized a passion that I seem to always seek out and excel in: making a meaningful connection. I’ve come to understand that making long-lasting, solid connections is the key to my future career. I look to find a career within the intersection of government and business, while still maintaining the opportunity to market myself, a client, or anything else.” This makes Samuel an ideal candidate for the Ruth Segal Scholarship which celebrates the life and career of an industry advocate who understood that making connections with people was key to achieving the industry’s policy objectives. “This scholarship means something to me,” Samuel wrote. “In a way, it has guided my interests for the future. So, as I reflect on my past once more, my father would say ‘the future will always be in people;’ and only now do I truly understand what he really meant.”
The Eric M. Rubin Scholarship
Hibran Velarde, from Merced, CA, has been designated to receive the Eric M. Rubin Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to a student currently attending a law school or who has been accepted into a law program and is committed to enroll in a law school It recognizes the life work of Eric Rubin who has been acknowledged as the nation’s leading authority on out of home advertising law, and he is recognized for developing this distinct area of media law. For decades, he served as legal counsel for the Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA). After graduating with a degree in Business Administration from California State University Monterey Bay, Hibran is now seeking a J.D. from the Regent University School of Law in Virginia Beach, VA. His career goal is to become an immigration lawyer to support and advocate for underrepresented communities. “Growing up as an undocumented immigrant,” Hibran wrote, “I faced numerous obstacles that shaped my determination to assist others in similar situations. My journey has instilled in me a deep commitment to social justice, which I am to channel through a legal career focused on immigration law.” Hibran said that his service in the National Guard has helped prepare him for a successful legal career by teaching him invaluable leadership skills and the importance of discipline and teamwork. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, which he said is “a testament to education and my ability to excel academically despite the challenges I have faced.” Hibran also volunteers as a coach for a youth soccer team and he works at the local public library where he helps community members prepare for their naturalizations tests.
The Reagan Family Scholarship Endowment
Two students were designated in June to receive the Reagan Family Scholarship Endowment. The Reagan Family Scholarship was established with FOARE in 2014 by The Reagan Foundation, a Utah non-profit corporation. The Reagan Family, which established the Reagan Foundation, are the founders and operators of the Reagan Companies, an out of home (OOH) advertising company that operates in Salt Lake City, Utah; Austin, Texas; and Las Vegas, Nevada. The scholarship was established to recognize the contributions of The Reagan Foundation to the OOH advertising industry. The Endowment is intended to help groom a new generation of leaders and managers in understanding the standardized OOH advertising industry, primarily in the area of billboards. The two students shared a USD 5,000 scholarship.
Benjamin Khoh, from Austin, TX, is seeking an M.S. in Community and Regional Planning at the University of Texas in Austin, TX. His knowledge of the out of home industry stems from his Planning law class which examined the distinction between on and off premise signage. Khoh hopes to focus his graduate studies on data analysis through code and modeling “to harness the new world of machine learning and AI” as a means to guide urban planning in Las Vegas where he grew up. “I would really like to work in a city for a long period of time, so I can use my expertise to drive the city towards the more equitable future I dream of,” Khoh added.
Tayler Nikole Allen, from South Jordan, UT, is seeking a Masters of City and Metropolitan Planning (MCMP) at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT. In addition to pursuing her graduate degree, Allen works for the Salt Lake County Library’s Community Engagement Department. Allen wants to examine how libraries can be used to foster more community engagement in the planning process. “There is an opportunity to connect city planning, community engagement, and public libraries,” Allen said. “As part of my education and career, I would love to research and advocate for ways to integrate improved city planning and community engagement with library services to improve safe, convenient, and equitable access to resources for underserved residents in Utah.”
Follow DailyDOOH