Wayne State College’s humanities department earned national recognition at the 2025 Nebraska Broadcasting Association Pinnacle Awards, bringing home three gold honors for excellence in college radio and television production.
The Nebraska Broadcasters Association’s Pinnacle Awards are a recognition program established in 1958 that honors excellence in radio and television broadcasting across Nebraska, focusing on both great work and community service by individuals and local stations.
The WSC Wildcats won Best Promotional Announcement in college radio for the KWSC Promotion, and captured Best Live Sports Event, Best Raido Promotional Announcement and Best Promotional Announcement in college television for CatTalk Live and the Homecoming Promotion.
Sean Ahern, who leads the WSC humanities department, said he appreciated the recognition “It feels great, and shows that our department is doing what we are supposed to. It sets our students in the right direction,” Ahern said.
Ahern also mentioned that winning these awards helps students in the long run, setting up their careers and portfolios. “These awards help set their portfolios for success, so that people can see what you are capable of, which is what it is ultimately about,” Ahern said.
The studentss that contributed to winning these awards, Nate Bope, Armando Alferez, Victoria Olguin, and Andrew Reiss all had similar responses on how their dedication and hard work are beginning to be noticed at WSC.
Nate Bope, a former WSC student who contributed to the CatTalk, said, “These awards mean everything to this group of students. Even as someone who has since graduated, seeing this program excel and continue to earn major achievements like this one is truly special.”
Armando Alferez, another contributing student, said the recognition was an honor. “Having Wayne State College being represented in the state of Nebraska as another school that does broadcasting makes me feel honored. I feel Wayne State doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, and being able to win three awards is something that I would never have thought we could do,” Alferez said.
Victoria Olguin, who was behind the camera for the live sports event, said “It says that we are very committed to our goals, and put a lot of effort into our work and support each other’s ideas.”
These three Pinnacle Awards not only highlight the talent and dedication of WSC’s humanities students but also showcase the program’s growing impact across the state. With faculty support, student creativity, and a drive to keep raising the bar, the Wildcats have proven that their work belongs among the best in Nebraska broadcasting.
