NYC Gazette

Justine Shaw, a first-year student at St. John's University, has been awarded the inaugural Howie Schwab ’82SVC Scholarship. This scholarship was established to honor the legacy of Howie Schwab, a notable alumnus and former ESPN personality. Shaw, who is studying Sport Management and works as a Student Manager for the Women’s Basketball team, expressed her gratitude: “I’m thrilled to be the first recipient of this scholarship named in Mr. Schwab’s memory and I want to express my gratitude to everyone involved.”

The scholarship recognizes students who contribute behind the scenes in athletics, similar to how Schwab contributed during his career. “There are so many deserving students who work in Athletics, and many student managers, so it is a real honor to be selected,” Shaw stated.

Howie Schwab's career began at St. John’s where he worked at WSJU Radio and wrote for The Torch newspaper. He later joined ESPN as its first statistician and became known for his sports trivia knowledge on "Stump the Schwab." His mother, Dona Schwab, shared that legendary broadcaster Dick Vitale suggested creating the scholarship: “Dick called me out of the blue and said, ‘I think we should start a scholarship in Howie’s name.’”

James Pitaro ’94L, Chairman of ESPN, supports the initiative and will address graduates at St. John’s School of Law’s Commencement in May. David P. Hedlund from The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies remarked on Schwab's influence: “He left an amazing legacy here at St. John’s.”

Dona Schwab reflected on her son's passion for sports despite not being athletic himself: “We spent a long time considering what Howie would have wanted... I believe those are the kinds of students Howie would have loved to see recognized and rewarded.”