KAMLOOPS – A Thompson Rivers University fourth-year journalism student is one of six recipients of $2000 Jack Webster Foundation 2006 Student Journalism Awards recognizing BC journalism students who have demonstrated their dedication to their craft and motivation to establish themselves in a competitive and challenging field.

Karl Hardt was one of six Student Journalism award-winners announced by Jack Webster Foundation co-chairs Steve Crombie and Chris Weafer October 16th. He will receive his award this Monday evening in Vancouver.

“I was honoured to be selected,” said Hardt, “especially when there were so many great students who applied just from TRU.”

Hardt was a working journalist until 2005 when he decided to complete a degree at TRU, which fully credited his previously earned journalism diploma.

“I liked the fact TRU offered me the opportunity to complete my degree and round out my education without having to repeat courses I had already taken in my diploma course in Calgary,” said Hardt.

“Everyone in the program has been tremendously encouraging. So far, I’ve learned a great deal even after having worked in the field for six years,” said Hardt.

Hardt hasn’t decided where he’ll go when he graduates this spring, but said the award and his TRU degree will give him added confidence in the job-hunt.

A total of 66 BC journalism students have received educational funding since the program started in 2001. Carolynne Burkholder and Gwen Preston from UBC, Jackie Hunter from Kwantlen University College, Jean Paetkau from BCIT and Joanne Penhale from Langara College are the other 2006 recipients.

The Jack Webster Foundation was established in 1986 to recognize and encourage excellence in BC-based journalism in the name of Jack Webster and his legacy of insightful, accurate and uncompromising reporting during his more than 40 years of print, radio and television journalism.

BC Hydro has sponsored the student award program since it began with additional funding coming this year from the Hospital Employees Union.

“We’re very appreciative of the continuing funding by BC Hydro to support access to education for future journalists,” said Crombie. “Also, this year, we welcome the support of the Hospital Employees Union who provided additional funding for these students who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their craft.”

For more information, please contact Alan Bass, TRU Journalism Chair, at 250-371-5924.