WSFA honors late news director with scholarship, 5K run

A 5K in Montgomery, Alabama, honoring a late Troy University alumnus is looking to carry on his legacy of advocacy and love for Troy students by fundraising a scholarship in his name.

Desmond Wingard, known affectionally as Des, worked for WSFA 12 News in Montgomery for more than half of his life before passing away after a battle with cancer on Oct. 30, 2025. At 46-years-old, Wingard left behind a legacy of love and care for all who met him.

Now, marking a year and a day after his passing, his co-workers, friends and community are holding a 5K around Montgomery to help keep his support of Troy students around.

"After Desmond's death, we knew we wanted his legacy to live on and that's how the scholarship idea came to be," said WSFA Assistant News Director Rachel Scarbrough. "Having a hand in creating a scholarship to help the next generation of journalists holds special meaning for the WSFA family, because advocating for young journalists is exactly what Des did every day."

The scholarship – named the Desmond Wingard Legacy in Journalism Scholarship Endowment – looks to support the next generation of journalists educated by Troy University.

The 5K has a $30 registration fee in advance and a $40 registration fee on the day of the event. All of the money raised by the 5K will go toward the scholarship fund.

WSFA Reporter and Troy alumnus Simon Schuessler said Wingard would regularly visit Troy University's journalism department to scout journalists because he understood the value of a Troy education and knew how good its journalism department was.

Schuessler, an avid runner in his free time, will be running during the 5K. He said the decision to participate was a no-brainer.

"It wasn't a question of if - it was how do I sign up," Schuessler said. "I just want to help out whenever I can.

"I'm a result of this Troy University program. I know the difference that it's made in my life.

"I know what it means to Desmond and his family to be able to continue to give back and to be able to continue to, even beyond the grave, provide assistance to people that want to get into journalism."

According to WSFA Reporter and Anchor and Troy Alum Emma Ellis, the best way to honor Desmond is to continue to create good journalism and good journalists – which is exactly what the 5K is aiming for. An added bonus, she said, is the fitness aspect of the 5K.

"Fitness was a big thing for Desmond," Ellis said. "He was really into fitness, so I think we're just combining two of the things he really loved as a way to honor him and to bring more good into the world instead of sitting in our despair."

Schuessler invited everyone, regardless of interest, study or passion, to participate in the run.

"I would definitely encourage anyone, whether you're into running or not, if you have a passion for Troy or students coming to Troy to participate," Schuessler said.

Those interested in signing up for the 5K can visit runsignup.com/Race/AL/Montgomery/DesmondWingardLegacy5K. It's set to begin at the WSFA building in Montgomery, Alabama at 7:30 a.m.