Mark Haas , a senior broadcast journalism student at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, is the 2006 recipient of the Chick Hearn Memorial Scholarship. The annual scholarship is funded by an endowment established by the Los Angeles Lakers in memory of Hall of Fame sports broadcaster Chick Hearn, who died in 2002. In addition to a major gift from the Lakers, hundreds of fans contributed to the scholarship fund at USC Annenberg, which now totals more than $100,000.

Marge Hearn, widow of Chick Hearn, has also announced a campaign to expand the scholarship to benefit two students annually. She has made a lead gift and invites the public to contribute to the fund. Donations may be sent to USC Annenberg Chick Hearn Fund, USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, 3502 Watt Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0281.

"Of all the honors that Chick received, I believe he would have been most proud of this scholarship," said Marge Hearn. "He never was able to complete his own education and he would have been very pleased that students like Mark have the help they need to pursue their dreams."

The Lakers, Marge Hearn and USC Annenberg journalism professor Joe Saltzman made the official presentation to Haas on what would have been Chick Hearn’s 89th birthday, Sunday, November 27, 2005. FSN West aired the ceremony during the regional Lakers pre-game show, "Lakers Live".

The Chick Hearn Scholarship award also includes an internship with FSN West/West 2 in Los Angeles, which will provide Haas the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by assisting with the production of live pre-game programming and game telecasts. Jesse Aron, a 2005 USC Annenberg graduate and the second Chick Hearn award recipient, turned his internship into a full-time position at the regional sports network this fall.

"Our congratulations to Mark as this year’s Chick Hearn Memorial Scholarship recipient," said Steve Simpson, general manager and vice president, FSN West and FSN West 2, "We thank the USC Annenberg School for their dedication to excellence in sports broadcasting education and proudly support the internship program."

"I love everything about sports -- the competitiveness, the teamwork, and the emotions after a hard-fought victory or a tough loss," said Haas. "After reporting and anchoring for Annenberg TV News at USC, I have developed a second love for telling sports stories to a television audience and am truly honored to receive this award in memory of a great sports broadcaster."

Originally from Fort Collins, Colorado, Haas has worked as a sports broadcasting intern at KGWN in Cheyenne, Wyo. and KCNC in Denver. At USC, he serves as sports director for Annenberg TV News and is an assistant producer for MattReggieTV.com, a video log covering USC Trojan Football.

"Chick Hearn was an icon who represented the best in sports,
broadcasting, and the spirit of Los Angeles," said Geoffrey Cowan, dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. "We are honored that the Hearn family and the Lakers have chosen to support deserving USC Annenberg journalism students, like Mark, who will build upon his great tradition."
Read coverage on the Lakers' website