6:22 PM Sun, Mar 02, 2008 | Permalink
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From Nancy Francis
When I first started working at KGW, Ronald Reagan was president, we typed our stories on IBM Selectrics, and some of the people who work here now were still in diapers.
Iran and Iraq were at war (with each other). A crimson-clad guru was holding court in Central Oregon. And an up-and-coming singer named Madonna was (not) "Like a Virgin."
There was no such thing as blogging.
MY KGW ID CARD, ISSUED MY FIRST DAY
Almost 23 years later, I am getting ready to sign off for the last time. It's time for something new. I've just been accepted into graduate school at Lewis & Clark, where I plan to get a Masters in Education. Ultimately, my plan is to be certified to teach language arts at the high school level.
It's more than a little daunting, changing course at this stage. I have so much to learn, so much to re-learn. Let's just say I haven't written a thesis paper in....uhmmm...about a quarter century.
I'm sure it will be humbling to face a class for the first time.
But I am excited. I feel fortunate to have had all the opportunities KGW has given me. I also feel lucky to have this new one.
My last day reporting "in the field" will be this Friday, March 7th. After that, I will continue my regular weekend anchor duties until Sunday April 6th. That will be my final broadcast.
In the meantime, I'll be going through some old mementos. I'm going to try to make time to share some of them on this blog.
Amy and I had fun with the one below. My first co-anchor at KGW was Teresa Richardson. The ad below appeared in TV Guide in 1985. When I saw it, I was struck by how much Amy resembles Teresa. It's as though I've done a 360! So after the 5pm news tonight, Amy and I struck a pose and enlisted Joe Becker to take a reenactment photo:
Pretty amazing, huh! More later.
Nancy,
Well,I was sad to hear of you leaving..Glad we get to keep you a bit longer..
I live in SW Washington.Our county was hit HARD by the flooding..Couple friends of mine and some family were forced out of their home.And one is looking for a new place one is redoing the house..the one redoing everything LOST ALOT 2 Jetskis 2 houses worth of stuff,several Cars.
Anyway,I read of your departure on another site and though I applaud the teaching endeavour, I am sad because you are one of the best KGW has..
Although,I do know that Wayne Havrelly is Awesome too..KGW lost a wonderful reporter with the departure of Kelly Love..Now you're leaving us...
Anyways...I will be watching all the way till your last night on..
Amy,don't worry I am not going anywhere!
God Bless..
Good Luck,Nancy!
~Malia
Chehalis
Hey Nancy,
I just want to say that I have been watching KGW forever...I don't know what it's going to be like, not having you there for the weekend news.
Best of luck and thanks for the memories!
Missy
Nancy: I've enjoyed watching and listening to you on the news. I will miss seeing you and applaud you for daring to start a new career.
Good luck and best wishes to a very fine news anchor.
A loyal fan, Diana Schafer
You will be missed. I really enjoyed watching you. I went to high school with Teresa Richardson and have enjoyed channel 8 as my favorite. Good luck in the future.
Hi ,Nancy .what a great start with the news in the day time .I Remember when you and teresa were working together .it has been fun to see you on tv news .good luck
Hi Nancy,
So sad that you are leaving KGW after such a long time. I too applaud you for taking on a new career. I think it is great and your journalism skills will be a great asset to teaching. You will be missed greatly!!
Hi Nancy,
I first started watching you with Carl Click. It seemed like only yesterday you started. Sad to see you go and I wish you the best. I will look forward to seeing you through April 6th and will watch you every night till then.
Nancy,
Thank you for so many years of excellent broadcasting. We always enjoyed when you anchor and report. You will be missed and are a great example for all. Good luck in your new endeavor.
tom
I will miss seeing you on the weekend news. You are a class act. Good luck in the future.
Gosh, Nancy, I'm sorry to see you go. I've watched you all these years and will really miss you on the weekends. It won't be the same. Good luck in your new endeavors, I'm sure you'll be a great teacher.