Chapman University Establishes Scholarship in Memory of Fallen Reporter Eliana Moreno
The Eliana Moreno Scholarship will support aspiring journalists at Chapman's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, honoring the late NBCLA helicopter reporter.
Chapman University has established a scholarship fund in honor of Eliana Moreno, an aerial reporter for NBCLA who died in a fiery helicopter crash on September 15. The Eliana Moreno Scholarship aims to support aspiring journalists at Chapman's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, providing opportunities for students to pursue their ambitions, much like Moreno did.
Moreno, a 2010 graduate of Chapman University, was on assignment covering a deadly Metro bus collision when the NewsChopper4 helicopter she was aboard crashed in Chatsworth. The incident also claimed the lives of pilot George Marciniw and a bystander. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Her family announced the scholarship, stating that Chapman University held a special place in Moreno's heart. "Eliana was truly one of a kind. Yet, amid our heartbreak, we find comfort in knowing that something beautiful can grow in her memory," the family said in a statement. They noted her significant impact, highlighting her role as the country's only Hispanic bilingual helicopter reporter and camera operator.
Moreno's family encouraged those who wish to honor her memory to contribute to the scholarship fund rather than sending flowers. "Our hope is that, through these scholarships, another student will have the opportunity to follow a dream, find a voice, and pursue a future once thought out of reach," they stated. "Scholarships helped make her dreams possible, and opened doors to a career in which she would make history and inspire countless others."
Donations to the scholarship will directly benefit students at Chapman's Dodge College, aiding them in their education and preparation for careers in the media industry. The university stated that Moreno's passion for storytelling, curiosity, and dedication will continue to inspire future generations of students.
The NTSB released a preliminary report on the crash in September, utilizing live video footage from the helicopter for evidence. However, the report did not identify a definitive cause for the aircraft's descent, with a final report anticipated within 18 months.
