The NYU Tisch School of the Arts has established a scholarship in honor of the late television pioneer Maura Mandt, whose work with the ESPYS helped to establish it as a major sporting event. Mandt has been with the ESPYS for over 20 years and is the show’s creative force. She died at the age of 53 in 2020.
$1.4 million in grant money generated through donations, including a four-year lead grant from the PeyBack Foundation. Peyton and Ashley Manning launched the PeyBack Foundation in 1999. A number of other donations from personalities in the sports and entertainment industries completed the funding. After the first scholarship recipient graduates, another will be given out.
NYU officials said the grant is intended to help female filmmakers who are “eager to use stories to drive change” and ensure “continued support and listening to powerful female voices in sports and film.” “Mora has left an indelible mark on many, from sports legends, to film, TV, music stars and media executives, to those fortunate enough to call her a friend,” Peytonman Ning said she was his friend of 20 years, Mante, in a statement.
“This foundation is our way of honoring Maura Mandt’s incredible legacy, while also giving young students the opportunity to pursue their dreams and hopefully follow in the footsteps of the unique life Maura has led. Maura is a force, but The most important thing is a friend. We miss her every day.” In addition to ESPYS, Mandt helped develop the X Games while at ESPN and participated in the NFL Honor Show. As a producer and director, she is an Emmy and Peabody Award winner.
Maura Mandt Death. Cause of Death Scholarship honors late ESPYS pioneer
