Getahn Ward scholarship will support Tennessee State University students

Michael Anastasi

The Tennessean

We are raising at least $50,000 to give in perpetuity.
The donation period goes through Jan. 15. Go to bitly.com/getahnward to donate.
Scroll down for information on the memorial service for Getahn Ward.

On Dec. 16, The Tennessean lost a dear friend and most respected journalist, Getahn Ward.

Getahn Ward, longtime Tennessean reporter, beloved community leader, 45.

We so appreciate and are grateful for the condolences that have poured into our offices from every corner of the city, and beyond.

Still, to be honest, it was a tough week for our journalists.

But our newsroom did what newsrooms do. Our journalists continued to do their jobs with the utmost professionalism and dedication — they know in fact that Getahn would have been very disappointed with them if they did anything less. But they also took action.

I am, therefore, pleased to announce the creation of the Getahn Ward Memorial Scholarship at Tennessee State University.

Our partners include the TSU communications department, the National Association of Black Journalists, the Gannett Foundation and, I am confident, much of Nashville’s business community along with many ordinary Tennessean readers.

Getahn, as I was quoted in a story earlier this week, believed deeply in the promise of the future. I think that is why he loved his beat, and the only thing that he was more excited by and dedicated to than doing this important work in service of Nashville was his commitment toward the next generation of journalists.

You saw that in his devotion to his students at Tennessee State — his alma mater and where he taught as an adjunct for many years — and in his tireless work to support scholarships through the National Association of Black Journalists.

Our goal is to establish an annual scholarship that will be awarded in perpetuity. That means we’ve set a goal of $50,000, and I know this community can do it.

We can think of no finer way to honor Getahn’s memory than a scholarship that will make it possible for students now, students tomorrow, and students yet unborn to pursue an education that otherwise might not be possible and to learn and understand, through their association with Getahn’s legacy, the impact that just one person can make in a city.

I ask that you consider joining me, and the entire The Tennessean family, by making a donation by Jan. 15.

You can participate by writing a check to: Tennessee State University Foundation, 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd., Nashville, TN., 37209-1561.

Indicate in the memo line that the donation is for the Getahn Ward Endowed Scholarship Fund.

You can also make a donation online by going to bit.ly/getahnward.

As always, I thank you, a valued Tennessean reader, for your ongoing support of our mission. May you and your family have the happiest of holidays.

Michael A. Anastasi is Vice President and Editor of The Tennessean.

Memorial Services

The public is invited to services for Getahn, at Born Again Church, 858 West Trinity Lane, Nashville. A Celebration of Life will take place Friday, Jan. 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. There will be Visitation from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6, followed by the funeral.