From Bailey Lauerman “Announcing The 3rd Annual Bailey Lauerman Scholarship Winner, UNL Junior Drew Baldridge”
BL’s annual scholarship is one of the ways we uphold our commitment to growing DEI in our agency, in our community, and in the industry. Each year, we award a scholarship to one student who exemplifies a diverse perspective and a commitment to supporting marginalized groups.
This year, we’re proud to award Drew Baldridge the 2023 Bailey Lauerman Fund for Student Opportunity, which includes a $5,000 scholarship and automatic placement in our summer internship program.
Drew was selected, in part, for his commitment and drive to make advertising a more inclusive and diverse space through his volunteerism, studies, and ambitious extracurricular activities.
Drew’s passion for nonprofit work and giving back made him stand out among this year’s candidates. He’s traveled the country and abroad to increase food security for people and communities that often go without.
Right now, he’s working for the Lincoln Arts Council as an intern at the Foundry to continue the organization’s mission for art advocacy and accessibility in the Lincoln community. Through volunteering, Drew has witnessed firsthand the impact that nonprofits have on individuals and groups.
As a peer mentor in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications and the university Honors Program, Drew works as an advocate for students aiming to become globally aware. He is committed to creating opportunities for those students looking to grow, learn, and experience more of the world.
Supporting marginalized groups is important to him—he grew up in a family that stressed the importance of giving back to the community. As a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Drew has inherited a rich oral history from his family, largely in the form of stories passed down from his grandfather.
“By recognizing, learning, and appreciating others, we can grow closer to them,” Baldridge said. “One can be easily enthralled by the narrow scope of self, but by expanding one’s view, and recognizing the needs of others, the world could become a better place. Celebrating diversity is where this journey begins.”
We’re very excited to see how Drew takes his passions, perspective, and unique worldview and continues to powerfully impact his communities—both at school and in the world. And we can’t wait to see what he can bring to BL—and the industry at large.
“Drew’s work in support of marginalized groups in both the U.S. and overseas is evidence of his strong desire to create equality and opportunity for all,” Bailey Lauerman CEO, Greg Andersen said. “His selection for the BL Scholarship for Student Opportunity carries on that commitment from all our winners.”
The Bailey Lauerman Fund for Student Opportunity builds upon BL’s long-standing relationship with the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications. The scholarship is available annually for incoming junior and senior ADPR students at UNL. For updates about next year’s scholarship, follow BL on social.
