Posted Sep. 2/05
By Steve Blais
- The Honourable Lloyd Francis, P.C. (Photo taken by Jean-Marc Carisse)
The School of Journalism and Communication has yet another reason to celebrate.
In June, Chris Dornan, Director of the School, announced that The Honourable Lloyd Francis, P.C., would be making a donation of $112,000 towards the creation of the Robert McKeown Doctoral Scholarship in Communication.
In addition, Francis’ contribution will be matched to bring the total value of this new scholarship to $224,000.
This new scholarship will be awarded annually, when merited, to a student in the doctoral program in communications who has a background as a working journalist, or whose research focuses on the news media or journalism practice.
Francis, a former Speaker of the House of Commons, was a close friend of Robert McKeown, in whose honour the scholarship is named, and often sought his advice on political matters.
“Robert McKeown was a dedicated and professional journalist,” says Francis. “A man of integrity, I came to rely on Robert for advice and friendship. I am proud to be able to honour my good friend by giving other professional journalists this opportunity to further their education.”
A veteran of the Second World War, McKeown spent more than a quarter century as a political and feature writer for Weekend Magazine, eventually becoming the Ottawa editor. McKeown hosted CBC Television’s first current affairs program, Press Conference, and also produced and directed television documentaries for the CBC.
In the United States, McKeown contributed to NBC Radio and Look Magazine. Known as “The Gent” for his integrity and unflappable nature by friends and colleagues, McKeown was later chosen President of the Parliamentary Press Gallery and has been described as one of Canada’s most respected journalists.
“This type of scholarship, I believe, is consistent with Mr. McKeown’s commitment to the advancement of Canadian journalism,” says Dornan. “It will provide much-needed financial support to individuals giving up salaried positions in order to pursue their intellectual interests. It will be a fitting tribute to Robert McKeown’s memory.”
This article first appeared in the August 2005 issue of Carleton Now, Carleton’s official monthly news publication. Check out this publication at http://www.now.carleton.ca/