Cameraman Jack Memorial Scholarship

The Cameraman Jack Memorial Scholarship was established by NTC staff member Deb Yellow Thunder to honor the memory of her father, Jack, who worked for Channel 7 until he passed away in 1977. He worked various live, in-studio shows (news, noon show, “Romper Room”) but found his greatest pleasure in broadcasting from the Eagle River snowmobile races and at the Wisconsin Valley Fair in Wausau. Jack had many skills, but loved being behind the camera most. Below is an excerpt from a memorial for Jack, written by Jack Crowley and printed in the “Forward Communications” bulletin, which was distributed to Channel 7 employees and affiliated TV and radio stations across the country that were part of the Forward Group:

“Jack Hunger, production supervision of WSAU-TV, died Sunday, December 11, 1977. Jack was a charter member of the Forward idea. Employed at WSAU since 1956, he worked, lived and thought television in a sensible balance of love with his family and church. While it may appear to be an overly sentimental claim, it was Jack’s love for our industry that was one of the ingredients which developed the Forward idea and its successes. We’re sorry that every one of you didn’t know Jack. We, in Wausau, are going to miss him. And even if you didn’t know him, we can all share in admiration of Jack Hunger’s example—a legacy of excellence and pride.”