A pair of Red River College students pursuing careers in journalism received a recent financial boost from two of their chosen profession’s late legends.

Second-year Creative Communications students Eva Wasney and Jade Markus each received $500 bursaries last month from the Eric & Jack Wells Foundation, established in 1994 by the families of the late Eric Wells (former Winnipeg Tribune editor and CJOB commentator) and “Cactus” Jack Wells, a ground-breaking Canadian sportscaster.

The bursaries were presented by Megan Wells — daughter of Eric and president of the foundation’s board.

“I know that my father and Uncle Jack would have been very happy to know that both of you will be following in their footsteps,” said Megan, shown above (centre) with Markus (left) and Wasney. “They both encouraged young people to get into — and stay in — the business.”

Wasney (who like Markus is majoring in journalism at RRC), says the support for CreComm students is always welcome, as the program is very demanding and includes a lot of work outside of classroom time.

“I live on my own — I can’t work as often as I need to,” says Wasney. “Having scholarships and bursaries in place is very helpful so I can focus on improving my skills and being a better journalist, not worrying about how to support myself.”

“Living with your parents isn’t an option for everyone,” Markus adds. “It’s really good [that] an option like this exists for students.”

The Eric and Jack Wells Foundation has given more than $70,000 in cash awards and bursaries to 100-plus CreComm students over the past 20 years. The Foundation’s awards for excellence in journalism will be announced in the spring.

Click here for more information about RRC’s Creative Communications program.