CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 17, 2004) — Vanessa Faura, a Queens University of Charlotte student, was awarded the first Bob Knowles Communication Scholarship Friday evening at the opening ceremonies of the American Cancer Society’s Battle Against Cancer Relay For Life event at Freedom Park.

	Vanessa Faura and Emily Knowles

Emily Knowles presented the scholarship which paid tribute to her husband Bob, who lost his battle with cancer last year.

Faura, a sophomore, is originally from Peru and has lived in Charlotte since 1987. She is a communication major and applied for the scholarship earlier this spring.

"To honor him (Bob Knowles) in this way is wonderful. I would like to thank Emily Knowles and everyone involved who helped establish the scholarship and internships. Queens is a wonderful school and I am proud to be a Queens student," said Faura. "I promise to make each and everyone very proud. I am honored to be the first recipient."

Beyond the monetary value of the scholarship, the Bob Knowles Communication Scholarship includes a one-year internship at WBTV that includes a media mentor at the station. The scholarship also includes an internship with Mike Washburn and Don Hudson, journalists at the Charlotte Observer.      

(L-R) Emily Knowles, Judge Shirley Fulton, Mary McMillan, Vanessa Faura and Dr. Pamela Lewis

"This scholarship represents what was important to Bob in his profession, perfecting the art of journalism and through the pursuit of the truth helping people and making our community a better place and being sure to having a little fun along the way," said Emily Knowles. "Vanessa is someone Bob would be very proud of."

Queens President Dr. Pamela Lewis was also present at the opening ceremonies. "From all of us at Queens, we are so proud to be a part of this important initiative to honor our friend Bob Knowles. He was an extraordinary journalist and a credit to his profession and a credit to this community. We are excited for Vanessa and know she will benefit tremendously from this experience."