Breann Schossow graduated from UW-Eau Claire in 2012, but not before leaving a lasting legacy at her alma mater.
Breann was an outstanding journalist who led to many of her Communication and Journalism classmates looking up to her for her leadership and mentorship in journalism. She had touched so many classmates and professors during her time at UW-Eau Claire. Her many experiences at UW-Eau Claire showcased her passion for writing and broadcast journalism. At The Spectator, Bre held many positions including copy editor, features editor, news editor, managing editor, reporter and editor-in-chief. Throughout her Blugold career, Bre also was a crucial part of WUEC-FM 89.7 Eau Claire, the UW-Eau Claire’s Student radio production. It was here that she became a Senior Producer and also the host and producer of Blugold Performance of the Air, which was a Wisconsin Public Radio affiliate. While she was still a student at UW-Eau Claire, Bre also worked as a reporter in the Leader-Telegram's newsroom.
Breann was the 2011 Ann Devroy Fellow, a student opportunity awarded to an accomplished student journalist at UW-Eau Claire. As the Ann Devroy Fellow, she had the opportunity to be a journalism intern at the Washington Post for three weeks, and in her own words:
"Spending three weeks there has left me with an unquenchable thirst for this profession. I had the chance to learn the ins and outs of the newsroom, while shadowing some of the most remarkable reporters I have ever met. People who, like Ann, strive to be even better than is possible to do their jobs. From my day in the Supreme Court to sitting in on the beginning of the health care repeal debate in the House to helping a reporter interview neighbors of a young mother dead before her time, I have changed. I am not the same journalist I was, because learning more about the profession I love has made me better. I will strive to be better than my very best to carry on Ann Devroy's legacy, determination and thirst for the truth. It's an amazing way to begin a journalism career, and something that I'm indescribably grateful for."
Along with the opportunity at the Washington Post, the Ann Devroy Fellow recipient receives a three-month summer internship with a regionally-admired news organization. As the 2011 Fellow, Breann worked at Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as the General Assignment Intern. After her internship with Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, her career began to blossom. Bre continued to grow in her role as a journalist at organizations such as NPR, WPR and MPR. Bre had touched so many throughout her student career at UW-Eau Claire and also at the prominent news organizations where she worked.
UW-Eau Claire would be remiss if we didn’t honor Breann’s accomplishments at the university. After Breann's recent passing, the Communication and Journalism department will dedicate a part of the Ann Devroy Fellowship in her name with the Breann Schossow Internship Fund for Devroy Fellows.
This fund was created to honor Bre's dedication to helping others to be their best, especially aspiring journalists. Donations will provide needed support for the Fellow as they complete their summer internship. Breann understood the importance of this opportunity when she was a student and how it paved her way to become an accomplished journalist.
The UW-Eau Claire’s Communication and Journalism Department and UW-Eau Claire Foundation invite you to send memorial gifts to the Breann Schossow Internship Fund for Devroy Fellows. By doing this, you are giving another talented journalism student at UW-Eau Claire the opportunities--like Breann had--to jumpstart their future career as a promising journalist.