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Delaware State University receives an Emmy and $40,000 grant at the 43rd Sports Emmy Awards

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Charlisa Edelin

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This week, Delaware State University students walked away with a sports Emmy in accordance with the HBCU Sports Production Grant sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. 

DSU students Chelsea Abrams, Michelle Crockett, Gwenna Gentle, Nia Pope, Carlos Vasquez and Isaiah Williams, along with their advisors, Professor Zachary Kimball and Dr. Renee’ Marine worked diligently to create a short documentary, “Once a Hornet. Always a Hornet. The Past, Present and Future of Delaware State University Football” 

Their short film shed light on Coach Rod Milstead’s journey from being a student-athlete at DSU, to winning the Super Bowl XXIX in 1995 with the 49ers. He later returned to coach the DSU football team. 

The 43rd Sports Emmy Awards nominated North Carolina A & T State University, Florida A & M University, Hampton University, North Carolina Central University, and Delaware State University.

After all the hard work put into their documentary students were hopeful to receive a nomination. They were delighted to hear the news that they were nominated for such a momentous award, and a $40,000 grant that could totally improve the mass communication department at DSU. 

One of the students who helped to orchestrate the film, Gwenna Gentle said, “With the skills each of us brought, we put together a piece that was so mesmerizing, I had no doubt that we were at the top of consideration for winning.”

DSU students were invited to the 43rd Sports Emmy Awards where they got to meet the most influential people within the sport broadcasting industry. Some including, ESPN’s Elle Duncan, NBC’s Mike Tirico ,and Bob Costas. 

When DSU graduate Nia Pope was asked how she felt about graduating college two weeks ago to now being a winner of a Sports Emmy she simply stated “What’s next!” and added “God has continued to expose me to amazing opportunities, and by following his lead I have made it this far. So I’m just excited for what’s next.”

This upcoming generation has no time for excuses, they only create pathways to success. The Emmy award winners have not only established their place within the industry, but have opened the door for other HBCUs to be highlighted in predominant ways.

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