BGSU alum honors actor Jason Momoa with new scholarship for global changemakers – WTOL
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BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — A Bowling Green State University alumnus with longtime ties to the entertainment industry has created a scholarship in honor of actor Jason Momoa to support globally minded students in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Jeff B. Witjas, a 1968 BGSU graduate and senior vice president at Independent Artist Group, named the scholarship as a birthday gift for his friend and client Jason Momoa. The Jason Momoa Global Scholars Fund will assist students pursuing studies related to global citizenship, activism and leadership.
Witjas said the scholarship is a tribute to Momoa’s values and advocacy, especially his work on environmental conservation and social causes.
“I admire and am proud of him for everything he has accomplished,” Witjas said. “Jason uses his platform to help his fellow man and make the world a better place for his children and all children. He’s worked very hard to get where he is, and I wanted to give him a gift that would last forever.”
To qualify, students must be enrolled full-time in the College of Arts and Sciences, maintain good academic standing and demonstrate involvement in globally focused work. That may include high-impact environmental research, local or international public service, or volunteer work with community organizations.
The Jason Momoa Global Scholars Fund is administered by BGSU’s College of Arts and Sciences. To be eligible, students must be enrolled full-time, have a major within the college, and be in good academic standing. In addition, applicants must demonstrate strong engagement in globally focused work that reflects the values of global citizenship, activism and leadership.
Examples of qualifying activities include high-impact research on global or environmental issues, volunteerism, advocacy internships, participation in Model UN, involvement with the Democracy & Public Policy Network or the C. Raymond Marvin Center for Student Leadership and Civic Engagement, or study abroad programs that support public service or a deeper understanding of global issues.
Applicants are also required to submit a short essay, up to 500 words, outlining their previous global engagement and future plans to continue that work. The scholarship amount varies, and the application deadline for the 2025–26 academic year is Feb. 27, 2026.
“It’s going to take a special student each year to earn this scholarship,” Witjas said. “They must have integrity and a genuine consideration for others. An ideal recipient would be someone creative and ambitious who wants to make a lasting impact on the world.”
Witjas, a member of the BGSU Academy of Distinguished Alumni, has remained active with the university for decades. He has returned to campus often to speak with theater and film students and previously established two other scholarships: one in memory of his mentor Jim Hof and another in honor of his daughter, BGSU film alumna Rachel Witjas.
Known in Hollywood as the longtime agent of the late Betty White, Witjas has represented a wide range of clients including Alan Ruck, Ernie Hudson, Beverly D’Angelo and Buzz Aldrin.
As a student at BGSU, he was a member of Zeta Beta Tau, served as vice president of the student body and was the first president of the Undergraduate Alumni Association.
Momoa, star of “Chief of War,” “Aquaman” and “Game of Thrones,” is known for his environmental advocacy and commitment to sustainability, particularly ocean conservation. He has been a vocal opponent of single-use plastics, launching his own eco-friendly bottled water company to promote alternatives.
Momoa has also worked with organizations focused on protecting marine life and preserving natural resources, using his platform to raise awareness about climate change and pollution. Beyond environmental issues, he supports Indigenous rights and has participated in movements to protect sacred lands and water sources, aligning his activism with broader efforts for social and environmental justice.
