JU students nab 3 first-place AP broadcast awards

Students from Jacksonville University walked away with three first-place awards and one second in this year’s Associated Press Broadcasters College Contest, capping off a successful run in which they earned more nominations in the competition than in any other year.

Awards in the contest, overseen by the Florida Associated Press Broadcasters Board, were announced April 21 in Orlando.

“This demonstrates the depth of our communication program and our consistent commitment to excellence,” said Dr. Annmarie Kent-Willette, associate professor of communications. “As a small university, winning over universities that have much larger communications departments is an accomplishment for the entire campus and the Jacksonville community to celebrate. I am proud of my students and excited to see where their talents will take them.”

JU awards in the College TV category were:                              

Alicia Esteban – First Place, Best Sports, Dolphin Channel, “Stay, Fight, Win Together”

This piece showcases JU’s football team from its start to the present, including archival and current footage and interviews with players and coaches about the team’s birth, challenges and growth. View at youtu.be/xaBuMkMRhC8.

Ethan Wellhausen – First Place, Photo Essay, Dolphin Channel, “I Believe In Living Life to the Fullest”

Wellhausen discusses his belief in living life to the maximum after losing his mother at age 15 to a drunk driver. She encouraged him in all his pursuits, he says, and he has now decided to travel the world as a missionary showing God’s love. View at youtu.be/RpWXqC2pM7U.      

Alicia Esteban/Alyssa Fernald – First Place, Short Hard News Feature, Dolphin Channel, “ROTC: Right or Wrong Place on Campus?”

This piece examines JU’s Reserve Office Training Corps and questions whether the program should be on campus. View at youtu.be/eReFbNIKqYo.

Alyssa Fernald – Second Place, Long Light Feature, Dolphin Channel, “Patients. Providers. Philanthropy.”

This short-format documentary profiles We Care, a non-profit that provides health care to the underserved, uninsured and homeless of the Jacksonville community. View at youtu.be/3pgf1DoH1h8.