In honor and memory of George Rouman, recognizing his dedication to the movie theatre industry and commitment to education. This scholarship program aims to provide financial assistance to students employed within our industry, enabling them to further their education.

George was a natural leader with a passion for the motion picture industry. Since 2002, he served on the NATO of Wisconsin & Upper Peninsula Board of Directors, and was voted President in 2016, a position he held until his untimely death in a tragic car accident in June 2024. He also served on the advisory board of the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) for over 20 years.

The National Association of Theatre Owners is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing over 33,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and additional cinemas in 82 countries worldwide. Headquarters in Washington, D.C., with a second office in Los Angeles, California, NATO represents its members in the heart of the nation’s capital as well as the center of the entertainment industry. From these vantage points, NATO helps exhibition influence federal policymaking and work with movie distributors on all areas of mutual concern, from new technologies to legislation, marketing, and First Amendment issues. NATO of Wisconsin & Upper Peninsula of Michigan represents 650 screens and is one of fifteen regional affiliates.

This scholarship program is open to high school seniors and post-graduate students employed by a motion picture theatre in Wisconsin or the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The eligible applicants’ movie theatre location must be a current member of NATO of Wisconsin & Upper Peninsula as of the program’s start date. Past recipients are not eligible.