The University of Central Florida, Orlando’s hometown university, has announced a new endowed journalism scholarship in the name of Wendy Chioji.
The University of Central Florida in Orlando has announced a new endowed journalism scholarship in the name of Wendy Chioji. Chioji was a news anchor at WESH, Hearst’s NBC affiliate in the city, for more than 20 years. She died in October from cancer at the age of 57.
The Wendy Chioji Memorial Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship available for students studying journalism, digital journalism and storytelling, and is designed to recognize Nicholson School of Communication and Media students who have demonstrated academic success as well as significant accomplishments in pursuit of a degree in journalism.
“We are honored to announce this scholarship, which reflects upon the impact that Wendy Chioji made in Central Florida newsrooms and it will provide financial support and inspiration to a student at UCF,” says Patrick Smith, Nicholson School of Communication and Media, Director for Advancement.
“Knowing that this memorial scholarship was initially funded by Wendy’s professional colleagues at WESH2 and close friends should inspire the Central Florida community to contribute to the scholarship. It personifies Wendy’s spirit and commitment to give your best personally and professionally. We are thrilled to know that a UCF student will be shaped by Wendy Chioji’s legacy in journalism.”
NOTE: I had the pleasure of knowing Wendy when I was the creative services director at WESH. While this announcement honors Wendy’s work as a journalist, some reading this who may not have known Wendy, may not be aware of the public struggle she waged about her battle with cancer to raise awareness and funds for cancer causes.
Here’s Wendy’s final interview with Marc Middleton at Growing Bolder, where Wendy was a contributor. Growing Bolder is a media company for the 45-plus demographic, inspiring men and women of all ages to believe that the rest of their life can be the best of their life.
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