WSFA 12 News, the NBC affiliate in Montgomery, Alabama, has established a $25,000 endowed scholarship at Troy University for students enrolled in the Hall School of Journalism and Communication who plan to pursue a career in journalism.

WSFA presented a check for the Desmond Wingard Legacy Memorial Scholarship to TROY, on Wednesday, Dec. 3, during the noon newscast. His family was also in attendance and committed $10,000 to the scholarship. 

Wingard, a TROY alum, began working at WSFA in 1999 as a part-time photographer and was named the News Director in 2022. He passed away on Oct. 30 following a battle with cancer. 

Mark P. Bunting, General Manager for WSFA, emphasized the profound impact Wingard made during his time at the station.

“During his twenty-six years of employment at WSFA 12 News, Desmond Wingard left his mark on everything he touched and is a key reason the television station and its digital platforms continue to grow in audience size and popularity,” he said.

Recipients will be selected by the Troy University Scholarship Committee and awarded for the academic year beginning in the fall and will be for one year only. Each recipient will also be required to write a letter of appreciation to the donors

Priority will be given to students majoring in Broadcast Journalism who must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Ideal recipients for this scholarship are students who, like Desmond, demonstrate a passion for journalism and a heart for public service — individuals who see journalism not only as a career, but as a calling to inform, uplift and serve their communities. 

The scholarship will be administered through the Troy University Foundation.

Bunting hopes that the scholarship will be awarded to students who have the same drive and vision for a profession in broadcast journalism that Wingard had.

“We have so many TROY graduates that work here at WSFA, and it is only fitting that we create an opportunity to help students grow to become a member of the broadcast community,” he said.

“This scholarship proudly reflects the shared commitment of Troy University, WSFA 12 News and Gray Media to invest in future journalists throughout our region, the State of Alabama and beyond,” said William Filmore, Vice Chancellor of Government and External Relations. “Desmond Wingard devoted his life to accurately informing, inspiring and serving our communities. We are proud to help carry that same mission forward by honoring his legacy through financially supporting students who will one day follow in his footsteps.”

Wingard’s sister, Tonya Kimball, shared that he lived his life with an incredible servant’s heart, with the desire to see everyone reach their highest potential.

“This endowment will allow his generosity and service to others continue for years to come to the university that he loved, to the journalism school that he cherished, and to the industry that was his dream career,” she said.

Dr. Robbyn Taylor, Director of the Hall School of Journalism and Communication, said Wingard’s journey from first-generation college student to accomplished journalist makes him an inspiring role model for today’s students. 

“Many of our students can see themselves in him,” she said. “Desmond was a first-generation college student who grew up in a rural area and worked two jobs during college to achieve his goal of being a journalist. This scholarship means deserving students will be able to focus more on college opportunities and less on the stress of paying for them. On a personal note, Desmond was a dear friend. Losing him was heartbreaking for everyone who knew him. But this endowed scholarship makes me smile, knowing Desmond’s name and legacy will be known by our students forever.”

The Troy University Journalism and Communication Alumni Chapter will also contribute $500 to the scholarship fund. You can donate by clicking here.