MA Student Named 2005 David Kaplan Memorial Fellow at ABC News in D.C.

Theresa Wieberg

Columbia, Mo. (Dec. 2, 2005) -- Master's student Theresa Wieberg is the 2005 recipient of the David Kaplan Memorial Fellowship, which is awarded each year to one Missouri graduate student who has an interest in broadcast producing.

While a producer for Sam Donaldson at ABC News, Kaplan was killed on assignment in Sarajevo in 1992. Donaldson, one of the nation's premier broadcast journalists, participated in the selection process.

As a Kaplan Fellow, Wieberg will receive a $10,000 stipend plus a paid position in the ABC network's Washington Bureau while she completes her master's project.

"I was really excited, as I've always wanted to work for a network," said Wieberg, who is the 14th David Kaplan Fellow. "Mr. Donaldson is a legend in the reporting world, and it was an honor just to talk to him during the interview."

A native of Omaha, Neb., Wieberg has gained broadcast experience as part of the hands-on training provided by the Missouri School of Journalism's radio and television media outlets and through work experience. She also has gained valuable skills as a data analyst for Investigative Reporters and Editors and the National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting, both of which are headquartered at the School.

Upon graduation in May 2006, Wieberg plans to pursue computer-assisted reporting with an investigative unit.

"I think this is a very special fellowship, set up in the memory of a man who many people respected," Wieberg said. "I'm looking forward to the opportunity to learn from everyone at ABC, and to live in such an exciting and diverse city."