Don McGillivray Memorial Prize in Explanatory Journalism

The Don McGillivray Prize in Explanatory Journalism is intended to encourage the art of Explanatory Journalism, that is a story, column or editorial that explains to the reader a complicated matter in easy-to-understand terms.

Don McGillivray (1927-2003) was a reporter, editor and columnist for over 40 years, as well as a professor of Journalism at Concordia and Carleton Universities. His enduring contribution to coverage of public affairs was as a political and economic columnist in Ottawa. As noted in his obituary in The Gazette: “…he brought the common sense of his Prairie dust bowl roots to the business and editorial pages. The economics of running this country weren't a mystery to him and he considered his job was to make sure his readers understood them, too...

How well he succeeded is evidenced by the National Business Awards he won in 1977, 1979, and 1984. He was runner up for the prize in 1978 and 1983. But the recognition McGillivray valued most was the Plain English Award he once received from the Canadian Council of Teachers of English” ... for his smooth-flowing journalistic writing and for a language column he wrote for many years. Mr. McGillivray was also a president and longtime treasurer of the Canadian Association of Journalists, which named its annual outstanding journalism award for him.

Applicants must submit one example of explanatory journalism: a story, column or editorial that explains to readers some complicated matter in easy-to-understand terms. Writing examples could be in any field, including, but not limited to, government law or policy, scientific achievement, economic or financial matters, health or medical treatment or discovery or on any topic of general or public interest. Eligible pieces of writing include class assignments and student or community publications. Submissions that were produced during a paid employment period or summer internship are eligible but must be clearly identified as such and will be treated as examples of professional work by the selection committee. The award is not renewable but recipients may apply to be considered in subsequent years, in which case a new example of work must be submitted. For further information on the application process for this award, contact the Department of Journalism.

In-course bursaries Concordia offers need-based In-Course Bursaries to returning Bachelor's students in the Fall semester.

Application deadline The 2024-2025 Undergraduate In-Course Bursary Program will be open April 1, 2024.

In-Course Bursaries are awarded by the Financial Aid and Awards Office to previously admitted students following an application-based competition that includes a financial need test and holistic committee review. Applicants are notified of the results after the Financial Aid and Awards Office receives results from the bursary committee.

The In-Course Bursary program normally open April 1, 2024 and will close on May 15, 2024.