Congratulations to the talented OLSH students who attended the Digital Media Arts Consortium (DMAC) Award Ceremony at Robert Morris University! Students from the WCHR and Video Production programs earned prestigious accolades for their outstanding work in media production.

In addition to these team and individual awards, Senior Emily Funka was honored with the DMAC Founders’ Award, a special recognition for seniors who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment to their school’s media program.

In his nomination, WCHR Moderator Mr. Wojtechko described Emily as the “backbone” of the WCHR team, praising her for her exceptional leadership and technical expertise. He noted, “Emily knows every aspect of production inside and out, several times running the entire broadcast herself with precision and confidence. Her ability to lead her peers and make quick, clear decisions has earned her the trust of the entire team. Emily’s quiet confidence and dedication to excellence make her an outstanding candidate for this award.”

Emily’s recognition is a testament to her hard work and the impact she has had on WCHR and her peers. Her leadership has set a high standard for the team, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of media students.

In addition to the awards, students attending the Ceremony also heard presentations, participated in a live vote for the Music Video category, and did a campus scavenger hunt. Keynote speaker Sydney Bauer, Video Producer at PensTV, discussed the importance of storytelling, being a well-rounded individual, and being ready to accept any challenge that comes your way. The welcome by Jon Radermacher, M.F.A./Vice Provost, Academic Administration and Associate Professor of Media Arts discussed the ever-evolving media landscape, particularly the rise of AI and the importance of understanding it and using it properly. The students enjoyed a day learning more about media and digital arts.