This fund was established in 2005 by Gary L. Watson to
support graduate students seeking to study the aspects of
management in journalism. Gary was born in Chicago and
attended Northern Illinois University for his bachelor’s
degree in journalism. After receiving his bachelor’s degree,
Gary moved to the University of Florida to receive a
master’s degree in journalism and communications in 1970.

Gary began his newspaper career at the Rockford Register
Star in Illinois, where he would be a reporter, political
editor and city editor. He later returned in 1981 to become
the president and publisher of the Register Star. He started
working for the Gannett Co. in the late 80’s and became
president of the newspaper division in 1990. He retired from
the position in 2005. Gary served on the board of directors
of the American Press Institute AMCORE Bank, N.A., the
World Association of Newspapers and the Newspaper
Association of America.

Gary and his wife, Sue E. Watson, have two son