(From Bowling Green State University)
A Bowling Green State University alumnus with connections to Hollywood’s biggest stars recently established a scholarship for students in the College of Arts and Sciences to honor his friend and client, actor Jason Momoa.
Since graduating from BGSU five decades ago, distinguished alumnus Jeff B. Witjas ’68 has donated both his time and philanthropy in support of students, valuing the role of higher education in shaping the next generation.
Witjas expanded his support recently, establishing a scholarship in honor of his friend and client, actor, filmmaker and entrepreneur Jason Momoa, who has starred in dozens of films and television shows, including “Aquaman,” “A Minecraft Movie,” “Game of Thrones” and “Chief of War.” Witjas named the scholarship in Momoa’s honor as a birthday gift to him.
“Attending Bowling Green was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life,” said Witjas, a partner and senior vice president at Independent Artist Group, a powerhouse talent agency with offices in Los Angeles and New York. “Having an education is priceless. The world needs more educated people, and there’s nothing better than helping students in their journey to graduation.
“I’ve been blessed to have made some good decisions in my life that have given me the ability to give back to Bowling Green.”
The Jason Momoa Global Scholars Fund at BGSU was established to inspire global citizenship, engagement in activism and foster leadership, qualities Witjas said are akin to Momoa. Witjas said Momoa was very honored by the gesture.
“I’ve known and represented Jason since 2003, when he was beginning his acting career,” Witjas said. “I admire and am proud of him for everything he has accomplished. 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.”
Witjas said Momoa is an environmental advocate and entrepreneur, committed to ocean conservation and the fight against single-use plastic waste.
To qualify for the scholarship, students must be enrolled full-time, pursuing a major in the College of Arts and Sciences, be in good academic standing and be engaged in globally focused work, such as high-impact environmental research, participating in public service locally and while studying abroad, or volunteering with community organizations.
“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 has remained engaged with BGSU since graduating in 1968, returning to campus many times to share advice and insight about the entertainment industry with current theater and film students.
The Jason Momoa Global Scholars Fund is the third scholarship Witjas has established at BGSU. He previously established one in honor of his daughter, Rachel Witjas, a BGSU film alumna, and another in memory of his mentor, Jim Hof, a former vice president of University Advancement.
Witjas was inducted into the BGSU Academy of Distinguished Alumni in 2024, one of the University’s highest honors.
Witjas is widely recognized for his role as the longtime agent of the late Betty White, with whom he had a close personal and professional relationship. A few other present and past clients include Alan Ruck, Ernie Hudson, Beverly D’Angelo, Mary Tyler Moore, Jerry Lewis, Garry Shandling, Bill Maher and Buzz Aldrin.
At BGSU, Witjas was a member of Zeta Beta Tau, was voted Key King for the class of 1968, played on the tennis team and served as vice president of the student body and the first president of the Undergraduate Alumni Association.