Three Thiel College students finalists for national college radio station awards

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Three Thiel College students are finalists for recognition from The Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) for their work at WXTC, the campus radio station.

Khari Bess ’16, of Waldorf, Md., Dan Wagner ’17, of Espyville, Pa., and Mercedez Quarles ’17, of Cleveland, Ohio, are finalists for an IBS Golden Mic Award. Winners will be announced during the IBS conference March 4-5 in New York City.

Thiel College was tied for the second-highest number of finalists behind the University of Tennessee-Martin, which had a finalist in each of the seven categories.

Thiel College’s finalists and their categories are:

• Bess, a 2012 graduate of Maurice J. McDonough High School, Best Sports Director;
• Wagner, a 2013 graduate of Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School, Best Production Director;
• Quarles, a 2012 graduate of Cleveland School of Science and Medicine, Best Promotion Director.

The three nominees represent half of WXTC’s Board of Directors.

“Just being named a finalist for an IBS award is a big honor because nominations come in from colleges and universities nationwide,” James Pedas Professor of Communication Dane S. Claussen, Ph.D., said. “Thiel’s three finalists are two majors in the communication department and one who is not because our student media staff members come from across campus. In this case, they are working in our FCC-licensed radio station with our experienced advisor, Professor Peg Watts.”

Claussen is the chair of Thiel College’s Department of Communication, which is located in the new James Pedas Communication Center.

About the James Pedas Communication Center

The 20,000 square foot Pedas Center is home to the high-definition television studio, radio station, College newspaper, Department of Communication and Office of Admission. The academic spaces in the $6.8 million building include the amphitheater-style Stamm Lecture Hall, flexible classrooms and collaborative areas, and a 24-hour computer lab with more than 20 computers. Trustee emeritus Dr. James Pedas ’50, H’89, is a movie and music producer, real estate developer, and entrepreneur. The Farrell, Pa. native provided the lead gift for the Pedas Center. Students from all majors benefit from the Pedas Communication Center as they get instruction and guidance on how to incorporate modern communication methods into their professional lives. The Pedas Center was recognized in February 2015 as Thiel College’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified building for its conservation techniques and commitment to renewable resources.