Troy University Celebrates 50 Years of TrojanVision, Honors Alumni

Troy University alumni and broadcasting professionals gathered yesterday, October 3, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of TrojanVision and recognize outstanding achievements in media and communications.

The celebration, held at the university, honored individuals making significant contributions to their fields, with awards presented in categories ranging from television journalism to public relations and advertising. Melanie Newman of the Baltimore Orioles received the National Spotlight Award, while Desmond Wingard of WSFA (Montgomery) was honored with the Local Spotlight Award. Rachael Wilkerson of WRTV (Indianapolis) earned the Rising Star Award.

Additional honorees included Jacob Holmes (Alabama Political Reporter) as Alumni Print Journalist of the Year, Josh Guantt (WBRC, Birmingham) as Alumni TV Journalist of the Year, and Katy Ganaway (WLRH, Huntsville) as Alumni Audio Journalist of the Year. Mikala McCurry (Alabama Securities Commission) was named Alumni Public Relations Professional of the Year, Hunter Beck (WSFA) received the Alumni Advertising Professional of the Year award, and Colvin Prince (Auburn University) was recognized as Alumni Communication Specialist of the Year. Morgan Drinkard received the Outstanding Alumni Service award for dedication to the Hall School of Journalism & Communication.

The event featured a keynote address from James Clower, former Television Manager and Director of Radio and Television, and a retrospective video showcasing TrojanVision’s history. Recognizing alumni achievements is crucial for fostering the next generation of media professionals, as the industry continues to evolve with the Radio Television Digital News Association reporting ongoing shifts in media consumption.

Event sponsors included The Alabama Broadcasters Association, Gray Media, Troy University’s College of Arts & Humanities, and WSFA 12 News. University officials stated they look forward to continuing TrojanVision’s legacy of excellence in broadcasting education.