New communication scholarship offered in memory of alumna Anne-Marie Bottazzi

New communication scholarship offered in memory of alumna Anne-Marie Bottazzi

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Ric and Jean Edelman, on left, with Anne-Marie and Joe Bottazzi

Starting this spring, rising seniors in the Ric Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts may apply for the Anne-Marie Bottazzi Scholarship for Excellence in Academics and Leadership, new funding that honors the memory of the 1980 Glassboro State College graduate.

Proud of her alma mater and all it’s become, Bottazzi, who passed away in 2021, was passionate and prosperous in her communications career. A talented writer, she reveled in connecting brands with consumers, serving as vice president of public relations at Prentice Hall Books, writing for boutique firm Brushfire Public Relations and working as a consultant.

“Anne-Marie cherished her time at Glassboro State College and the lifelong friendships she made during those years,” said Anne-Marie’s husband, Joe. “She combined the great education from the then-department of communications with experiential learning via her involvement in many clubs and organizations. These formed the foundation of her successful career in the public relations industry.  She was so proud of what the College has become as part of Rowan University.”

Rowan University alumni and longtime supporters Ric and Jean Edelman endowed the scholarship in memory of their late friend.

The funding will provide two $5,000 scholarships per year to seniors in public relations, journalism or writing arts. Applicants will also need to demonstrate leadership in clubs or organizations such as the Public Relations Student Society of America and/or the Student Government Association, organizations that Bottazzi was active in as an undergraduate. Eligible students will be invited to apply for the scholarship in the spring semester of their junior year and two recipients will receive scholarships of $2,500 for each semester their senior year.

“Our family thanks our dear friends Ric and Jean,” Bottazzi said. “To us, they are family and we appreciate this generous gift to keep Anne-Marie’s memory alive through the students in the Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts of Rowan University.”

Jesse Shafer, vice president for University Advancement and Rowan University Foundation executive director, noted that the friendships students make in college are often the closest they form in life.

“Jean and Ric loved and miss Anne-Marie. By funding scholarships in Anne-Marie’s name they keep her spirit alive among Rowan’s students,” he said.

Dr. Sanford Tweedie, dean of the Ric Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts, said the Edelmans’ gift further cements a deep commitment to their alma mater and its students.

“Ric and Jean Edelman have been amazingly generous to our college and university, and their kindness continues with this latest scholarship, which will forever immortalize Anne-Marie,” Tweedie said.