Cal State Fullerton journalism student Raniel Santos was awarded the inaugural Sam Rubin Memorial Scholarship. This distinction honors the legacy of the long-time KTLA entertainment reporter and raises the bar for emerging media‐makers.
Sam Rubin, who died in 2024, was a beloved figure in entertainment journalism, known for decades of interviews, insights and a spirit of curiosity. This new scholarship, established in his memory, serves to support university journalism students who embody that same enthusiasm for media storytelling.
Santos’ Journey
As a fourth-year student at CSUF, Santos has built a portfolio rooted in print journalism and entertainment coverage, echoing Rubin’s own start. His interest spans film, television and music, and he describes his upbringing as shaped by what he watched on screen.
“I’ve always been fascinated by film and television, especially music. There’s a saying, ‘I was raised by television,'” said Santos.
Receiving this scholarship not only recognizes his current work, but also signals his potential to carry forward Rubin’s legacy of insightful media engagement.
What the Scholarship Means
Being the first recipient of the Sam Rubin Memorial Scholarship places Santos in a unique position, setting a standard for what this award can represent in future years.
For CSUF’s journalism program, his selection underscores the value of supporting students who combine academic rigor with a passion for media.
For Santos personally, the award provides recognition, credibility and a possible springboard into professional opportunities in entertainment journalism and related fields.
Set to graduate in 2026, Santos is currently navigating what comes next in media or entertainment communications and leveraging the momentum of this scholarship. He’s planning his next work in journalism or media production, where his multimedia interests may come to the fore.
Scholarships like the Sam Rubin Memorial Scholarship enhance the pipeline of storytelling talent, especially within the diverse media landscape in Southern California.
The CSUF community celebrates Santos and commends his achievement. His success reflects not only his individual dedication, but also the supportive environment of CSUF’s College of Communications and the meaningful legacy of Rubin.
For anyone interested in starting a scholarship in the College of Communications, contact Courtney Lutkus at clutkus@fullerton.edu.