10 STUDENTS WIN $2,000 SCHOLARSHIPS

North American Philips Lighting Corp. has joined a roster of companies aiding the performing arts by making a $20,000 grant to the UCLA department of theater, film and television for 10 $2,000 Key Light scholarships.

The awards were given this week at the first Key Light awards ceremony at the Century Plaza “as part of an overall commitment by Philips,” said Charles Stuart, North American Philips executive vice president.

The awards will further students’ ability to work in their fields and to coordinate and manipulate stage and set lighting, a basic element of film and television production. The winners of $2,000 and a Key Light trophy are: Elena Stiteler and Gary Dean Sweeney, acting; Seth Olitzke, animation; William McDonald, cinematography; John Gizienski, design; Shawn Lovley and Chihyen Yee, directing; Michael Conte, production; Dennis Clontz and George Gary, writing.

A UCLA faculty committee selected the winners based on academic achievement, professional promise and financial need. The competition was open to graduates and undergraduates recommended by faculty.

North American Philips’ commitment to education stems from the belief that “there is such a void in lighting education.” Stuart said the grant is part of the company’s overall plan to establish a lighting demonstration center at the company’s soon-to-be-built headquarters in Somerset, N.J. The center will offer state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for lighting education, he said.

Other corporate grants awarded to film and television students on various campuses include Nissan Focus awards and grants from Time Inc., the William Morris Agency and the Samuel Goldwyn Foundation.