Indiana University of Pennsylvania students from WIUP-FM, IUP’s student-operated radio station, won top honors and national recognition for their broadcasting work at the fall National Student Media Convention.
From left, IUP professor of communications media and WIUP-FM faculty advisor Zack Stiegler with students Ismael Negrete, Fox Empson, Riley Yonchiuk, and Brooke Veith
Students Fox Empson, a communications media major from Franklin; Ismael Negrete, a communications media production major from Erie; Brooke Veith, an early childhood and special education major from Pittsburgh; and Riley Yonchiuk, a communications media-news media major from Harrisburg, attended the conference, held in Denver in October. Zack Stiegler, communication media faculty member and faculty advisor for WIUP-FM, accompanied the students.
WIUP-FM students earned two awards in the Best DJ category: station manager Empson won first place for their program For Fox’s Sake, and Veith, afternoon producer at WIUP-FM, earned third place for her program Vintage with Veith.
Yonchiuk was selected to serve on the CBI Board as the student representative, representing not only WIUP-FM, but college radio students nationwide. In this role, she helped to plan and organize conference programming, led roundtable discussions, and spoke during sessions where she shared insight from her own experiences in student media.
Yonchiuk also introduced featured speakers, worked to ensure sessions ran smoothly, and welcomed attendees from across the country. Throughout the event, she served as a key liaison between student broadcasters and the organization, promoting events, maintaining social media updates, and ensuring student perspectives were heard and valued.
“I see the passion and talent that these students pour into WIUP every day,” Steigler said. “For their work to get recognition on a national stage is both very much deserved and immensely gratifying. Fox, Brooke, and Riley each set exceedingly high standards for themselves and for WIUP. I could not be prouder of them!”
College Broadcasting, Inc. provides an opportunity for students to become better educated on radio, culture, and storytelling. The organization fosters active learning, professional opportunities, and advocacy for the success of student media.
While attending the conference, students were able to participate in hands-on learning activities, attend various sessions about college radio, and meet students from all over the country who also have a passion for radio.
Anyone can listen to the station, which is broadcast at 90.1 FM and available to stream live at WIUPFM.org.
WIUP-FM welcomes new voices, fresh ideas, and anyone passionate about radio. Persons interested in being part of the station should contact Stiegler at stiegler@iup.edu.
Empson’s parents are Danielle Mitchell of Franklin and Curtis Empson of Warren, Ohio. Empson is a 2021 graduate of Rocky Grove High School. They are the recipient of the 2025 IUP Mary Beth Leidman Award for Creativity.
Negrete, son of Yesenia Negrete and Julie Negrete, is a 2023 graduate of McDowell High School. He received the Best New Show award for his WIUP-FM show and is active with The Penn student newspaper, the Student Giving Committee, the IUP Democrats, the Young Democratic Socialists of America, and WIUP-TV student television station.
Veith, daughter of Michael Veith and Karen Veith, is a 2022 graduate of Bethel Park High School. A dean’s list student, she received awards for Best Afternoon Show and Best Show from WIUP-FM.
Yonchiuk, daughter of Wendi Yonchiuk and Gerry Yonchiuk, is a 2022 graduate of Central Dauphin High School. A dean’s list student and provost scholar, she won the IUP Chris Barber Extra Effort Award, WIUP-FM Best Morning Show Award, WIUP-FM Best New DJ, and the IUP Communications Media Department Freshman of the Year award. In addition to WIUP-FM, she is active with WIUP-TV student television station, IUP-TV sports, and The Penn student newspaper.
Since its founding in 1875, IUP has evolved from a teacher-training institution into a doctoral research university recognized for its commitment to student success and achievement. As IUP celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025 and through the Impact 150 comprehensive campaign, the university honors a legacy of educational excellence while looking to its next 150 years of student success, innovation, leadership in healthcare education, and public service.
—Julie Reda, IUP Communications Media student worker, contributed to this news post