by Amy M. Boyle
Staff Writer
The University of La Verne’s television department was honored this past weekend at the Broadcast Education Association conference which took place in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Don Pollock and Mike Laponis, associate professors of communications, both traveled to Las Vegas to attend the conference to be honored for their efforts in producing “75 Years of La Verne Football,” which won second place in the faculty competition in the documentary category.
This video commemorates the 75-year history of football being played at La Verne. It features fascinating interviews with past and present head coaches and players, as well as actual game footage.
Present head coach Don Morel came to Pollock and Laponis with the idea of creating the video.
“He [Morel] felt the video would be an interesting document of the 75 years, showing the uniqueness of the football program,” said Laponis. The video was shown at the banquet.
“We knew from the beginning that we were going to submit the video to the Broadcast Education Association contest, I submit videos that I produce every year but, it just so happens that we won,” said Pollock.
While at the conference, Pollock and Laponis attended workshops that enabled them to view what other universities television departments have worked on, as well as learn how to bring multimedia back to the classroom. They also attended lectures given by those in the world of academia, as well as from the entertainment industry. Some of the speakers included Larry King, and Dick Wolfe, the creator and producer of the television show “Law and Order” and “New York Undercover.”
Upon their return to La Verne, both Pollock and Laponis have the same feelings of pride on their triumph.
“We are very happy but, I knew the video had a good chance of winning. When people recognize your work, it makes you feel good,” said Pollock.
To purchase a copy of the video, contact Morel ext. 4439.
