University of Regina scholarship honours Warren Woods

Reflecting the positive and kindness of Woods

January 20, 2021, marked the untimely passing of Warren Woods, a well-known figure within the world of broadcasting, sports, and the general public. At the age of 66, Woods left behind a kindness and passion for his work that was seen in all corners of the province. It is because of Woods’ impact and kindness that the University of Regina, through the School of Journalism, is putting together a scholarship under Warren Woods’ name.

The scholarship will serve as both assistance for future journalism students that pursue their career through the School of Journalism, and a positive reflection of the memory of Warren Woods.

Murray Wood, Program Director at CJME, was able to share his memories regarding Woods and his impact on people.

“Warren was one of the best known media people,” began Wood. “Probably in Saskatchewan, and also I would say certainly one of the best liked or loved. If he went anywhere, particularly to a curling event, I don’t know if you remember a show called Cheers from the 80s. But there was a character called Norm and when he walked in the bar, everybody would go ‘Norm!’, and that was Woodsy. Everybody knew Woodsy, everybody liked Woodsy.”

Wood also provided his thoughts on the scholarship that would be put under Woods’ name, speaking on its ability to help future journalists.

“He would have felt very good about the fact that some young people were getting a chance to pursue the field that he spent so many years in, namely journalism. And his daughter talked about how Woodsy came from a blue collar background and knew that education was important. Especially for people who might have a challenge paying for it. So, I think he would have been very happy with this.”

Rob Vanstone, the Regina Leader-Post Sports Editor, was also able to speak on the fond memories regarding Warren Woods and his impact as an individual.

“I think I felt the way everybody did, you know, about Woodsy” said Vanstone. “Everybody’s perception of him, was just such a fun, great guy.”

“Sometimes,” Vanstone continued. “When someone passes, the tendency is to emphasize the good things and gloss over things that might not be as flattering. But in the case of Woodsy, it’s just who he was. You didn’t have to embellish or exaggerate anything.”

Vanstone was also able to provide his thoughts into what the scholarship would mean for Woods, as well as what it means to him personally.

“So to tie it in with the Journalism School,” said Vanstone. “Just a person of whom I thought the world of at a school that transformed my life in the space of two years. Just two things I’m very passionate about talking about are married here.

“I just can’t think of a better fit.” continued Vanstone. “I just felt so grateful from every standpoint when I heard this news, because I’m just so glad that Woodsy is being honored that way. There aren’t enough ways to honor him. There really aren’t. Just there’s an infinite number of ways in which he should be remembered.”

As for the details of the scholarship, Mark Taylor, the Department Head for the School of Journalism, offered more information on how the scholarship came to be.

“A week ago today I think it was,” said Taylor. “Murray Wood, who runs Ralco, who I’ve always had a good relationship with, he just called me up and said, “Mark, we’d like to set up an award, or a scholarship in memory of Warren Woods.

“Warren Woods,” continued Taylor, “he was kind of a legend around here, everyone, especially people who follow sports, everyone knew him or knew of them. Everyone liked him. Which says a lot.”

Although there is no official set date for the scholarship’s start, Taylor was also able to provide other details on how the scholarship will work and the numbers behind it.

“We want to give you $12,000 a year for the next three years,” said Taylor, “which will mean four $3,000 scholarships per year for students. So yeah, I mean, that was a week ago. And here we are now that it’s in motion.

As well, Taylor spoke on the benefits of the scholarship when it officially becomes available.

“For a student, I mean to get 3000 bucks,” continued Taylor. “That really helps out with your tuition. So I mean at its very simplest, I mean, it’s just going to help. Tuition is expensive. It’s going to help students pay their tuition bill.”

As stated by Taylor, Wood, and Vanstone, the impact that Warren Woods had on the community was unquestionably positive. The kind comments provided serving to reflect what so many knew about Warren Woods and his warm nature. It is a certainty that Warren Woods will be dearly missed, not just in the sporting world, but in the worlds of those around him.

Moving forward, with the help of the scholarship, Woods’ impact will only continue as future journalism students will have the opportunity to put their best foot forward in a field that they love.