The Klein College of Media and Communication at Temple University announced the Margaret Foti Scholarship Fund, the first fully funded graduate level scholarship in the college’s history.
The fund is intended to provide scholarships for promising students with financial need. In particular, the scholarship will be awarded to students who have applied to one of Klein College’s graduate programs and who are specializing in science communication with a focus on medical, health, and related science communication.
The fund is named for Klein College alumna Dr. Margaret Foti, KLN ’75, ’85, ’95. Foti is the chief executive officer of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the first and largest cancer research organization in the world. AACR’s work spans the broad spectrum of all subfields in cancer research and patient care. A commitment to science communication has defined her academic and professional careers. Foti earned master’s and doctoral degrees in communication from Temple, and her first leadership role at the AACR was as managing editor of its flagship scientific journal Cancer Research. Under her leadership, AACR’s membership has grown from 3,000 members to over 54,000 in 129 countries and territories, and its portfolio of peer-reviewed scientific journals has increased from one to 10. She also oversaw the launch of AACR programs in several areas, including focused scientific conferences, educational workshops for young laboratory and clinical investigators, scientific review and grants administration, science and public policy, and patient advocacy. Through the establishment of constituency groups, including Minorities in Cancer Research and Women in Cancer Research, she has consistently led efforts to foster a diverse scientific workforce. Her mentorship, guidance, and support have bolstered the careers of countless cancer researchers, including many women and minority cancer scientists and early-career investigators.
Foti is one of the most influential and impactful voices in advancing the field of cancer research, both in the United States and abroad. She was elected president of three professional societies in scholarly publishing and in cancer research. She has also served as a board member, committee member, and consultant to several other nonprofit organizations. She has received dozens of national and international career honors, including her induction into Temple University’s Gallery of Success in 2021. She was awarded an honorary doctorate in medicine and surgery from the University of Rome La Sapienza in 2003. She received a second honorary doctorate in medicine and surgery from the University of Catania in Sicily in 2008, and a third honorary doctorate in medicine from the University CEU of San Pablo in Madrid in 2009.
“I am thrilled to be giving back to my alma mater by supporting Klein College’s graduate students, as I gratefully credit both Klein College and Temple University for helping me launch my career,” Foti said. “It is my hope that this scholarship will produce superb science and health communication professionals who will help translate complex scientific information to the general public, legislators, policy makers, and other audiences in impactful and engaging ways.”
The Margaret Foti Scholarship Fund aligns with the college’s interest in developing professionals in the fields of science and health science communication.
“Dr. Foti’s passion for science and health communication is an inspiration for our students, and her stellar career is a model for them,” said Klein College Dean David Boardman. “Her generous gift will help Klein nurture the Marge Fotis of the future.”
One of the college’s goals is to attract potential students to its programs with these interests, as well as to help them focus their career aspirations. Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies Dr. Brian Creech said, "Alumni from this program go on to do truly amazing things, and I am glad this scholarship makes it possible for students to focus on the impact they may have on changing lives in the world and how to achieve it."
By partnering with Foti and the AACR, Klein College will have the opportunity to broaden the scope of its outreach and build on the extraordinary connections that Foti has in the field.
"Klein College’s master’s programs train students in how to have real community impact in their careers, and with the Margaret Foti Scholarship's focus on science and health communication, this scholarship makes it possible for a wider variety of students to invest their time and careers in meaningful social change,” Creech said.
For more information on Klein College’s graduate programs or how to apply for the Margaret Foti Scholarship, please contact Kaitlin Pierce at [click-for-email] or 215-204-8560.