Houlihan Family Scholarship
The Houlihan Family Scholarship for Journalism was established by former news reporter Patty Houlihan in honor of her late husband, Tom Houlihan, his first wife, Kat, and herself to acknowledge the important role that community journalism played in their lives. Tom’s 40-year career as a reporter, editor and columnist — most notably at the Star and later as co-founder of the H-F Chronicle — and Patty’s decade reporting for the Star fostered a deep connection to the community where they raised their family.Tom had long hoped to establish a scholarship in Kat’s memory. When he learned he had cancer, he and Patty decided to honor the family’s belief in the importance of journalism with a scholarship offered to students in their community. Endowed by Patty, this award supports Homewood-Flossmoor High School students who demonstrate a strong interest in print journalism, fostering the next generation of reporters, writers, and editors.