The Holle Awards for Excellence in Creativity and Communication

The Holle Awards for Excellence in Creativity and Communication highlight and celebrate creative expression nationally, and encourage partnerships among communication and other disciplines. As communication continues to evolve throughout the 21st century, the awards will encourage innovative, out-of-the-box thinking from students, faculty and communication professionals.

About Everett Holle

After graduating from The University of Alabama in 1950, Everett Holle enjoyed a 40-year career in the television industry at NBC 13 and achieved the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Army. Throughout his time in the industry, Holle was always intentional to invest in the lives of students.

His passion for the next generation of communicators, and for creativity in the fields of media and communication, fueled his desire to see students rewarded for their excellence. In 2015, Holle founded the Holle Awards for Excellence in Creativity and Communication to recognize deserving students for their work.

Although Holle passed away shortly after creating the awards, his legacy continues to have a lasting impact on students throughout the nation. After his passing, the Holle Family Foundation board generously pledged $10 million to fund the Holle Awards in perpetuity and establish the Holle Center for Communication Arts. The interdisciplinary Holle Center will support collaboration and promote creativity in communication and storytelling.

Each year, C&IS continues to celebrate the legacy of Holle by giving seven students a $10,000 prize for winning one of the Holle Awards for Excellence in Creativity and Communication. These awards not only help students embark on their careers but continue to symbolize the compassionate generosity of a man who sought to celebrate student creativity and success.

About the Holle Awards

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Apply for a Holle Award

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Past Holle Award Winners

Click here to view past winners of the Holle Awards