This awards season, St. Çï¿ûÊÓƵ digital media students earned distinctions across three competitions. Digital media and multimedia journalism majors at the university are immersed in active learning experiences. The content they create is measured against peers across the state, region, and country through awards competitions.
These experiences prepare students for jobs as reporters, broadcasters, podcasters, video and audio editors, and much more.
"Being part of SAUtv has pushed me to become not just a better storyteller, but also a stronger editor - skills that I know will help me stand out to future employers,” said Sydnee Horstman ’26, who earned two first-place awards. “Winning these awards means so much to me because it shows that I’m continuing to grow and improve every day. "
In the Galvin Fine Arts Center, St. Ambrose has a TV studio with professional equipment and production sets. There, students produce the award-winning weekly news show, “.” It’s also home to KALA radio, a 24/7 FM broadcast station. There, students announce play-by-play for live sports broadcasts, run board for music shows, and can produce their own podcast.
Maria Luiza Garuba Coelho '25, who will graduate in spring 2025, says the experiences she’s had through the Communication and Digital Media Department have given her a strong foundation for the future.
“With real-world applications, I feel confident to step into the next level and face the challenges that are waiting for me after I graduate. I couldn't be more thankful for all the support and help I have received, and I know I wouldn't even be close to what I have achieved if it weren't for the faculty of the program and my classmates who have helped me shape this journey."
St. Çï¿ûÊÓƵ is proud to share the awards our talented students earned in the 2025 season. Earn your communication degree from St. Ambrose.
SAUtv
First Place- General Reporting, Maria Luiza Garuba Coelho '25, "Latinos Unidos Make Their Voices Heard"
Second Place- In Depth Series, Sydnee Horstman '26, "SAU Dance Marathon Hosts 12th Big Event"
Second Place- Overall Excellence, SAUtv
Second Place- Best Newscast, SAUtv
3rd- Best Sportscast, SAUtv
KALA
First Place- Overall Excellence
First Place- Political Coverage, “Bee Election Central 2024”
First Place- Sports Play by Play, Luke Vera '24 & Ryan Schiestel '25, “SAU Softball vs. Augustana 3/11/24”
First Place- Best Podcast, "Relevant Or Irrelevant: Craig DeVrieze: Celebrating the John Deere Classic"
Second Place- Best Podcast, "Relevant Or Irrelevant: Cammie Pohl - Davenport's Mississippi Spoon Gallery And Museum"
SAUtv
First Place- Individual Multimedia Storytelling , Sydnee Horstman '26, "SAU Dance Marathon Hosts 12th Big Event"
First Place - General Reporting , Cole Negen '24, "A Closer Look at the NAIA's Transgender Vote"
Award of Merit - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Storytelling, Maria Luiza Garuba Coelho '25, "Latinos Unidos Make Their Voices Heard"
Award of Merit - Evening Newscast , “”
Award of Merit - Sport Play-by-Play, Ryan Schiestel '25 & Cole Negen '24 "SAU vs. Culver-Stockton Football, 10/19/24"
Award of Merit - Talk Public Affairs, “STINGERZ: 1-on-1 with Dr. Ethan Gannaway”
KALA
First Place - Documentary/Special for KALA's Bee Election Central 2024
Award of Merit - Podcast - Relevant Or Irrelevant: Dr. Andrew Granville - Why Mathematical Proof is a Social Compact
Award of Merit - Podcast - Relevant Or Irrelevant: Matthew Christopher - The Life and Death of the American Mall
SAUtv
First Place - Best Video Newscast, SAUtv “”
First Place - Best Video News Programming, SAUtv, “
First Place - Best Multimedia Storytelling Package, Sydnee Horstman '26 - "SAU Dance Marathon Hosts 12th Big Event"
First Place - Best Experimental Video, Sydnee Horstman '26, “”
First Place - Best Use of Social Media, SAUtv, Facebook and Instagram
Second Place - Best Variety Music Comedy Program, SAUtv, “”
Second Place - Best Media Website,
Third Place - Best Entertainment Storytelling Package, Cole Negen '24, “V”
KALA
First Place - Best Sports Broadcast, Ryan Schiestel '25 and AJ Tappa '26, Football vs. Briar Cliff
First Place - Best Promo, KALA
Second Place - Best Entertainment Show, “From The Hive”
Third Place - Best Podcast Series, Maria Luiza Garuba Coelho '25, "Cultural Carvings" Honorable Mention - Best Sports Program, “Unsportsmanlike Conduct”
