Academy Scholar : The Guildhall at SMU Announces "Academy Scholar"

LAS VEGAS (February 19, 2009) – With the 2009 D.I.C.E. (Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain) Summit in full swing, The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) and The Guildhall at Southern Methodist University announced the establishment of the “Academy Scholar” program. The “Academy Scholar” is designed to build a force of new talent of the best and brightest in interactive entertainment and is awarded bi-annually over the two semesters. The program kicks off for the Fall 2009 semester.

Each semester, $10,000 will be granted to a graduate level candidate in The Guildhall at SMU program. The scholarship will honor an outstanding applicant who exemplifies the AIAS’ spirit and commitment to advance the worldwide interactive entertainment community. It’s about being a game maker, contributing passion and creativity to this dynamic field.

“SMU and AIAS have a shared vision and responsibility to further the industry and support the next generation of game makers,” said Dr. Peter Raad, executive director and founder, The Guildhall at SMU. “Our mission has always been to produce future industry leaders and the very best game professionals. We are honored to have the AIAS has a partner in helping us fulfill this mission.”

“There is no better time for us to invest in the next generation of game makers,” said Joseph Olin, president, AIAS. “We want candidates who can share their vision and goals for this industry – our future influentials who will address the challenges of game creation and inspire new ways of making games.”

To be considered for the “Academy Scholar”, a combined panel of senior AIAS members and SMU review board evaluates each admission portfolio and assigns a number which is then averaged. The individuals with the highest rank order are invited to submit an essay for consideration to win the coveted scholarship.