Michael D. Harmeyer Scholarship

The Michael D. Harmeyer Scholarship was established in 2014 by Charles and Cecelia Harmeyer in honor of their son, Michael D. Harmeyer. Michael graduated from the University of Iowa in 2010 with a major in communication studies and a minor in cinema. After graduation, Michael moved to New York City to pursue a career in screenwriting. 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Open to students majoring in the Cinema BA
  • Students should be in their junior year of study
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA

Application Deadline: February 28th, 2025

We are offering two awards of $1200 each.

Submission instructions

On the Michael D. Harmeyer Scholarship Application, you will be provided with space to write a personal statement of no more than 300 words to make the case for why you are a strong candidate for this need-based award.  In it, please address how the award would enable your studies and creative work in cinema or contribute to your cinematic aspirations.

You will also be asked to submit a sample of what you consider to be your strongest work. You may submit either a written or a visual sample following the guidelines for one of the two options below:

Option 1: A written essay or paper in any area of Film Studies (theory, history, film analysis, etc.). This should preferably be from a Cinematic Arts course at UIowa and should be 3000 words or less. There will be a button for you to upload/attach your written sample as a WORD or PDF document.

Option 2: A visual production sample, either digital or 16mm. The sample should be no more than 5 minutes long and preferably from a Cinematic Arts course. Submit visual samples as a Vimeo or YouTube link in the designated space on the application. 16mm samples should be clearly marked with your name and “Harmeyer Fellowship Sample.” You must submit them in person to the Undergraduate Advisor.

Awardees will be notified in late March 2025.

Non-Departmental Scholarships

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences supports numerous scholarships through the college's annual scholarship competition. For a list of scholarships available in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and information on applying for scholarships, visit the CLAS Scholarships page.