A blog by Calgary freelance writer Jeremy Klaszus.

Scholarships celebrate slain writer's generous spirit

Posted by Jeremy Klaszus in Klaszus Corner

It's hard to believe that a year has passed since Calgary writer Amber Bowerman was killed in a tragic murder-suicide. It's been a difficult day of remembering for many in the city's publishing community. Amber had a tremendously positive impact on so many lives, and her death was and is a deep loss.

Thankfully, her family and friends have set up a foundation to honour her memory and carry on her spirit of generosity. The Amber Webb-Bowerman Memorial Foundation just announced six new post-secondary scholarships for students in journalism, music and painting. The foundation also created a student writing award at the Western Magazine Awards.

Not long after Amber's death, a local writer suggested that other writers take their pay for the next 800-word piece they write and donate it to the scholarship fund. It was a great idea, a fine way to remember and celebrate Amber's life and her enthusiasm for working with students.

So let's do it again. I encourage anyone who reads this to consider sending a few bucks to the Foundation. The 800 words thing works for writers, but if you're not a writer, take the intent of that challenge and apply it to your situation.

Something good has grown from something terrible here. Let's nurture it even more.


more in City     |     posted May 28th, 2009 at 12:41am     


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