Honors students, Elizabeth Pennell and Madison Sawyer, presenting the Peace Prize to professors Donald Connelly and Katerina Spasovska. Photo: BHC Partners in Peace
The steps we take today affect the life we walk into tomorrow.
The 95.3 WWCU radio station received the BHC Peace and Dignity Prize from the Western Chapter of Partners in Peace as recognition for its service to the community during Hurricane Helene.
Partners in Peace is an international collaboration between the Nobel Peace Center and the National Collegiate Honors Council. This program seeks to increase awareness of peace and educate about the peace process and Nobel Laureates.
The Brinson Honors College of Western Carolina University was one of 16 institutions that were chosen to be a part of the program globally.
The Peace Prize selection committee took nominations from the Sylva and Cullowhee community, and then the award was given to a group that serves the community in a sustainable way.
The process focused on what the Nobel Peace Center identifies as being worthy of recognition: different kinds of peace work and concepts of peace.
“We considered the importance of stories, of information, not only in allowing people to feel like part of a community, but in helping folks to live a better life, no matter their circumstances,” said Lori Oxford, associate dean of the honors college.
“Not only did this team’s dedication keep people informed about what had happened, but they were determined to stay on the air, even as other means of communication failed,” said Oxford. “Their hourly updates allowed members of our community to access lifesaving resources and provided information to others about how to help. Although the destruction and desperation that Hurricane Helene caused in our region was unprecedented, what many of us remember even more than that disaster is the decency and empathy that knit our community back together.”
The selection committee was comprised of honors college students who volunteered their time to review nominations and determine the recipient.
“The radio station stuck out to us as an organization that stepped up when they were needed and helped their neighbors,” said Elizabeth Pennell, member of the selection committee. “We found connections to previous laureates who prioritized the dignity of information and saw how the radio station was similarly promoting peace.”
Donald Connelly, radio station advisor, was one of the two professors that partnered alongside six students throughout the hurricane to provide emergency information and coverage.
“[The award] tells me the two faculty and 6 students who remained behind after the university closed had an impact and made a difference for those in our coverage area,” said Connelly. “It validates the faculty and student work to provide accurate emergency information and advice to the region.”
Through the destructive reality of Hurricane Helene came the reminder of how important local radio is for accurate and timely information.
“When the landline phones, internet, and cell phones all initially failed along with the power going down, radio remained on the air delivering truthful, accurate information,” said Connelly. “Studies overwhelmingly show that in times of disaster broadcast radio is the most effective form of communication.”
95.3 WWCU remained on air throughout the aftermath of Helene.
As communicators, charged with the ability to disseminate truthful information to the masses, student workers and professors utilized a crisis response mindset. Not expecting honors and recognition, but fulfilling the role of broadcasters and journalists.
“Partners in Peace does not have any monetary funds that we can give winners like the Nobel Peace Prize does, we will volunteer our time to a cause that the radio station chooses,” said Pennell.
For more information, follow @partners.n.peace.