Two students from Marian University’s Department of Communication were recognized at the 2026 Indiana Association of School Broadcasters (IASB) College Competition, earning top-three finishes in statewide categories during the awards ceremony held March 28.
Braden Kidd received second place in the Podcast category, while Alberto Calzudes earned third place in Original Radio Drama, highlighting Marian’s continued excellence in student media production.
Both award-winning projects emerged from coursework within the department. Kidd’s podcast was developed in Dr. Yuanwei Lyu’s Senior Capstone class, while Calzudes’s radio drama originated in Dr. Marilda Oviedo’s Digital Storytelling course. Faculty members say the recognition reflects not only student creativity but also the department’s emphasis on hands-on, production-based learning.
“This is our third year winning in a row, which is a significant achievement given the statewide scope of this competition,” said Pan Liu, assistant professor of communication and the department’s awards and competition coordinator. “These awards are especially meaningful because they come from a highly competitive pool that includes larger programs with more extensive resources and equipment.”
Liu added that the recognition serves as both validation and motivation. “Our students continue to produce high-quality work despite working with more limited resources. That speaks volumes about their talent, work ethic, and the strength of our instruction. It’s also inspiring for other students in the program, showing that their work can compete—and succeed—at a high level.”
The Indiana Association of School Broadcasters competition brings together entries from colleges and universities across the state, showcasing student work in radio, podcasting, and digital audio storytelling. Winning entries are judged by industry professionals and educators, making the honors a notable benchmark for emerging media creators.
For Marian’s Department of Communication, this year’s results reinforce a growing reputation for excellence in audio storytelling and student-driven production.
“These achievements demonstrate what’s possible when students are given both creative freedom and strong mentorship,” Liu said. “We’re proud of Braden and Alberto, and excited to see where their work takes them next.”
