Gary Manning Memorial Scholarship in Journalism

Photo of Gary ManningNewly established by a generous gift from Mrs. Joanna Manning in memory of her late husband Gary Manning (BA’71), the Gary Manning Memorial Scholarship in Journalism will be awarded annually to a full-time student entering the Master of Media in Journalism and Communication (MMJC) program, based on outstanding academic achievement and an interest in pursuing a career in the Arts or Public Relations.

Gary Manning was born in London, Ontario, in 1946. He graduated from Western in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts, Honours, Journalism degree, and went on to have a long career as a journalist and an editor. He died in New Brunswick in early 2020. Gary’s wife Joanna (also a writer and journalist) painted the following picture of a man she remembers as “committed to journalism and enjoying every minute.”

“From an early age Gary wanted only to be a journalist, believing giving people the best information would help them make good personal decisions. That was why he found himself at 15 the only boy in the girls' typing class. At school and at Western he was very active in student journalism.

His first job after graduation was in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, during the Smallwood premiership; a great introduction to journalism. Following that he became City Editor in Sarnia and a respected Managing Editor in Cornwall, Guelph, Woodstock and Welland, Ontario. His staff appreciated his patience, commitment and enthusiasm; always receptive to new ideas for columns, features and reviews. Journalism was Gary's life, one he loved unreservedly. A gentleman in the newsroom and beyond he was rarely seen without a smile.

In the arts world Gary's first love was theatre, followed by music, from classical to a wide range of genres. He also appreciated the visual arts. As his wife, being a visual and performing arts reviewer and feature writer, this gave us a delightful and rewarding partnership.”

- Joanna Manning

The Gary Manning Memorial Scholarship in Journalism will be awarded to an MMJC student for the first time this academic year.