Promising journalism students at UNL will get help with their education because of a gift from the Storz Foundation of Omaha.
The Storz Foundation awarded a $77,500 grant to the University of Nebraska Foundation last summer to enhance a scholarship fund memorializing Nebraska native Todd Storz.
Storz, late president of the Storz Broadcasting Company, is recognized nationally for his contributions nationally for his contributions to commercial radio. Grant distributions will increase the Storz endowment to more than $135,000.
Established in 1965 by Storz’ colleagues and friends, the enhanced scholarship fund will provide significant broadcasting scholarships at the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Will Norton, dean of the college, says the scholarships will be used to actively recruit talented students.
“As competition for outstanding students gets tougher, we need to be able to attract gifted young people to our college,” Norton says. “The Storz Foundation gift provides the invaluable support needed to offer students substantial assistance.”
Renamed to recognize Robert Storz’ leadership of Storz Broadcasting following his son’s death, the Robert H. and Todd Storz Scholarship Fund will provide half-tuition scholarships to UNL broadcasting majors. Scholarships will be awarded annually to first-year students and may be renewed upon satisfactory performance. As many as five Storz Scholars may receive financial assistance in a given year.
Herbert Engdahl, Storz Foundation trustee, says the scholarship fund serves as a living memorial to Robert and Todd Storz and their close ties to the broadcasting industry.
“Enhancing the existing scholarship fund seemed fitting in order to recognize, remember and continue the Storz broadcasting legacy,” Engdahl says. “The Storz Foundation wanted to give something back to the industry by encouraging students to study radio broadcasting and assist them financially as they pursue a broadcasting career.”
Past recipients demonstrate the level of talent awarded and encouraged by Storz Scholarships. Prominent area broadcasters John Knicely and Mike McKnight of WOWT in Omaha are among former UNL broadcasting students chosen to receive Storz Scholarships.
Harold Soderlund, retired Omaha broadcaster and Storz family friend, says Todd Storz represented an outstanding success story.
“WE all have dreams,” Soderlund says. “But most of us are afraid to make them happen and doubt they will every become reality. Todd believed his dreams would come true and made sure they became reality.”
Interested in radio from an age, Todd Storz built his first crystal set at age 8 and received his ham license when he was 16. After attending UNL, Storz began working for a radio station in Hutchinson, Kan.
In 1949, he started his own broadcasting company when he and his father, Robert, bought KOWH in Omaha.
The Storz Broadcasting Company expanded and eventually owned radio stations in St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Miami, New Orleans and Oklahoma City.
Recognized as a pioneer in the radio broadcasting industry, Todd Storz is credited with developing the popular music format known today as Top 40. Stodd Storz died April 13, 1964, in Miami Beach, Fla., at 39.
Following his son’s death, Robert Storz became president of the Storz Broadcasting Company. Under his direction, Storz stations remained on the air until 1985. Robert Storz worked in the insurance banking industry, owned the stock and bond firm Storz, Wachob and Bender, and directed Storz Brewing Company of Omaha prior to assuming control of Storz Broadcasting. He died May 10, 1992.
Established in 1957, the Robert Herman Storz Foundation supports general charitable giving, primarily within the Omaha area. Susan Storz Butler, Herbert A. Engdahl and Robert S. Howard serve as Storz Foundation trustees.
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