Television Academy Foundation announces Alex Trebek Legacy Fellowship Fund

The Television Academy Foundation, the charitable arm of the Television Academy, has announced the establishment of the Alex Trebek Legacy Fellowship Fund, created in honor of the beloved "Jeopardy!" host who died of pancreatic cancer in 2020.

The fund, launched with a gift of $50,000 from longtime "Jeopardy!" executive producer Harry Friedman and his Harry & Judy Friedman Family Foundation, will "provide a select number of need-based fellowships" to college and university educators.

The Alex Trebek Legacy Fellowships will fund these educators' participation in the Television Academy Foundation's annual Faculty Conference. The event, which "connects college classrooms with the television industry by providing media professors with curriculum-enhancing seminars on the latest in the art, science and business of television," will be held virtually this year from Nov. 15 to Nov. 17. Other funds from the charity will support the conference itself with programming.

Fittingly, one of this year's conference panels is called "The Art of the Game: Careers in Quiz and Game Shows." Friedman, a 19-time Emmy winner who also executive produced "Wheel of Fortune," will participate in the panel.

When the conference returns to an in-person format, the fellowships will fund educators' registration and travel and lodging to the event.

Initially, 25 college and/or university educators from across the country will be granted the fellowships. Those who wish to apply can find out more information at TelevisionAcademy.com/faculty-seminar.

In a statement, Friedman said the fellowships "will serve as a lasting tribute to our dear friend’s life and work." He added, "Much like 'Jeopardy!' itself, the Foundation’s programs use the power of television to educate and to celebrate and reward knowledge."

Trebek began hosting "Jeopardy!" when it launched on syndication in 1984 and continued until his death last year at age 80.