Grow FIU's John Wolin Scholarship

If you work for, or ever worked for, the Miami Herald and don't know of John Wolin, just ask an old-timer, and then prepare yourself for lots of stories.  He jokingly referred to himself as a "bald, crippled midget," but the man had enough talent (and personality) to make three tall, hairy athletes.

I should know -- I was married to him for 26 years, until he died in 2004 after battling tremendous pain and increasing paralysis for years. During much of that time, he continued to work, pushing himself beyond his limits because of his love for his craft.

As a memorial to him, I established a scholarship at Florida International University in his name, finally accumulating a large enough fund in 2007 to start awarding one $500 grant yearly to a deserving journalism student. John didn't attend FIU, but he worked with many young reporters who did, and above all else he loved teaching them what he knew. He also believed with all his heart in giving people without the financial means a chance to fulfill their dreams.

At the time, that $500 went a long way, paying almost a quarter of the $2,211 annual  tuition at FIU. Today, tuition is $6,100. The scholarship needs to grow. 

I am donating $20,000 of my own money to increase the fund. I am reaching out to John's friends and to people who share his ideals to give what they can. I'm hoping this campaign will match my gift, but I will welcome whatever comes my way. All the money will be turned over to the John Wolin SJMC Scholarship .

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Thank you.