New Scholarship Honors Former Student

A new scholarship established in honor of Northern Michigan University student and broadcaster Trevor Forsythe will help future students pursue their own careers in broadcasting and media.

Lilly Broadcasting and WZMQ-TV in Marquette have established the Trevor Forsythe WZMQ-TV Scholarship, an endowed scholarship that will be administered by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation. Beginning with the 2027 scholarship cycle, the award will be given annually to an NMU student studying broadcasting and media who embodies Forsythe's spirit in broadcasting.

For Forsythe, who passed in August of 2025 from complications of diabetes, broadcasting was more than a classroom subject. During his time at NMU, he took advantage of opportunities to develop his skills through both coursework and hands-on experiences.

"Beginning on day one of his NMU experience, Trevor tapped into every educational and experiential resource available to Multimedia Production majors," said Mike Settles, Public Eye News staff adviser. "He quickly became a standout."

During his junior year, Forsythe took on the role of Producer-Director for WNMU-TV's daily student newscast, Public Eye News. He held the position for three semesters, gaining experience in television journalism while helping lead his fellow student journalists.

Settles said Forsythe also stood out for his willingness to learn from and teach his peers.

"Trevor excelled at peer learning," Settles said. "His passion for the craft and willingness to share teachable moments with fellow students were remarkable to witness."

Forsythe's involvement in broadcasting extended beyond Public Eye News. He also worked with WNMU and the NMU Hockey media crew and gained professional experience at WZMQ-TV in Marquette.

Kevin Hodge, news director at WZMQ-19, said Forsythe's passion for broadcasting was evident in his work at the station.

"Trevor had such a passion for broadcast journalism, and it was clear in the work he did for us. His friendly personality and willingness to help in any way he could show how much he cared about this industry and his coworkers. We are extremely proud to offer this new scholarship in his honor and inspire the next generation of media talent," Hodge said.

In a tribute posted on the station's website, Forsythe's coworkers remembered him for his contributions to the newsroom and the relationships he built with those around him.

"Trevor was more than a coworker; he was a friend. He made our newsroom a brighter place when he walked in. His creativity behind the camera, his steady hand in the control room, and his passion for storytelling will never be forgotten. Our hearts are with Trevor's family and loved ones as we honor his lasting impact on our news family," his coworkers wrote.

His work earned recognition from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. In 2024, Forsythe was selected as a recipient of an MAB scholarship, the same organization that will administer the new scholarship established in his name.

Mark Shevy, head of NMU's Department of Communication and Media Studies, said receiving the MAB scholarship had a lasting effect on Forsythe.

"I saw him carry himself differently," Shevy said. "He had assurance that he was making a positive difference and moving in a good direction. Now this same kind of encouragement will be provided to other students in Trevor's name. Trevor was known for building others up, so this scholarship is a fitting way to keep some of his impact alive here."

Dwight Brady, a professor in NMU's Department of Communication and Media Studies, said the scholarship reflects the qualities Forsythe demonstrated as a student and leader.

"We in the Department of Communication and Media Studies are very pleased that an MAB Scholarship Fund is being set up in Trevor's honor. As a student leader, he emphasized inclusion, cooperation, and professionalism," Brady said."The fact that so many of his peers, professors and administrators came to his memorial service in September of 2025 is a testament to his impact on this university."

"In my office, I keep Trevor's picture next to two dear former faculty colleagues who are no longer with us. It was a joy to have worked with them and Trevor during my tenure at NMU," he added.

Settles said the scholarship will help keep Forsythe's presence in the department for years to come.

"He was such a talent, but more importantly he was a really great person," Settles said. "His loss is profound."

The Trevor Forsythe WZMQ-TV Scholarship is already established as an endowment, but additional donations are needed to sustain it for future students. Donations can be made through the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation website.