MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s student team took first place in a national digital audio competition at the end of February. The 36DA Challenge, held in Nashville, Tenn., was sponsored by the intercollegiate branch of the National Religious Broadcasters.
MVNU’s team consisted of video and radio broadcasting majors Ashley Timberlake, a senior from Brilliant; Jayme McMillan, a junior from Mount Gilead; Kaylee Nicks, a junior from Croton; and Derek Tupper, a junior from Coshocton.
MVNU’s team was paired with the nonprofit ministry Gospel For Asia, and had 36 hours to produce a 60-second public service announcement for the organization. Joe Rinehart, assistant professor of communication at MVNU, served as the team’s faculty advisor, but students were required to do all writing, recording and editing.
The projects were judged by audio professionals, and received the first prize at a reception at the Opryland Hotel. Northwestern College of Minnesota was second, followed by North Greenville University of South Carolina. Readers can listen to MVNU’s winning announcement at www.mvnu.edu/news.
“I am overjoyed that we won the 36.DA Challenge,” said Timberlake. “It was the first time MVNU students had ever competed, so it was a pleasant surprise when we won first place. This victory just proves the strong leadership WNZR provides to their students and the university.”
Each student received $150 in prize money, a trophy and a copy of Valerie Geller’s new book, “Beyond Powerful Radio.” MVNU also receives a trophy and a one-hour seminar with Geller.
“We were honored to be a part of the challenge. All of the projects were outstanding,” explained Rinehart. “To see our students come out on top was a testimony to their ability to embrace Gospel For Asia’s mission, then bring it to life through audio production. I am so proud of the way they worked together.”
