It is with great pleasure and sincere appreciation to everyone involved that the United Way of Grant County announces it has received the Golden Excellence (GEM) in Media Award in the Campaign Video category by the Indiana Association of United Ways.  The United Way also received Honorable Mention in the Special Events category for the United Way Telethon put on by WIWU-TV at Indiana Wesleyan University. You can watch the telethon here. We would like to thank everyone who took the time to participate and/or gave monetary gifts to the United Way of Grant County for our 2007/2008 Campaign drive.  We could not have done it without the community pulling together to make things happen.  Because of those in our community the United Way was able to allocate over $67,000.00 additional dollars to purchase programs from our 15 Agency partners in 2008.  For this we thank you!

IWU Communication Arts Students Wins State Broadcasting Awards
Indiana Wesleyan University Communication Arts major Chelsey Ponce’ received two awards for video work in the annual competition of the Indiana School Broadcasters’ Association. Ponce’, a senior from Springport, Indiana, won first place in the “Video In-Depth” category for a human interest feature on Marion’s Upward Basketball program. She also received a second place notice for a video package about a Gas City balloon shop. Both segments aired on WIWU-TV’s “Crossroads” program, for which Ponce’ has served as co-producer and co-host for three years.
“Chelsey represents the best of our Communication Arts Department, in her talent, work ethic and Christian character,” said Randall King, Professor of Communication and Director of Broadcast Media. “We’re not surprised that her work is award winning and it’s great to see others recognize the quality our viewers have seen for 3 years on WIWU-TV.” Ponce’ will graduate at the end of April and plans to pursue a career in television news.
The Indiana School Broadcaster’s Association is the principal organization representing high school and university broadcasting students throughout the state. Other notable schools receiving awards include Ball State University, The University of Southern Indiana, Valparaiso University and the University of Indianapolis. Radio and television segments are submitted from university students across Indiana and then sent to media professionals outside the state for independent judging.
Chelsey is now an Associate Producer at WHIO-TV, the CBS affiliate in Dayton, Ohio.