The “My Awesome Empire” radio program at Cal State San Bernardino has been named a finalist for an international Golden Mic Award. The program is produced by the College of Arts and Letters and Coyote Radio and Advertising students.

Officials for the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System in New York announced the CSUSB program as one of this year’s finalists for their international award for Best Public Affairs Program. The program being recognized paid tribute to San Bernardino in the aftermath of the North Park Elementary shooting in 2017. The show is titled “San Bernardino; Stories of Rebirth.” It can be found online at Season 5, Episode #128.

On March 3, CSUSB graduate student Arnold Robles and communication studies undergrad Adrian Silva will travel to the Pennsylvania Hotel in New York City to be honored. Robles has been the chief production engineer, correspondent and co-producer for the program since 2014. Silva has been a regular segment producer and correspondent since 2016.

“It’s such a thrill to have our students recognized at an important international event like this, but even more so, to enable them to travel and experience it in person,” said Terry Ballman, dean of the College of Arts and Letters.

The recognized edition of My Awesome Empire featured stories about local residents who are helping to rebuild lives and the community in unique ways. San Bernardino’s “Generation Now” is featured in one story. The group has combined the efforts of student government presidents from various local universities and colleges, as well as young business and youth leaders. Together they are working on innovative business strategies for San Bernardino.

The episode also featured renowned poet Lydia Theon Ware I. After finding treatment for a chemical imbalance that caused her severe mental health issues and homelessness, she earned her college degree, became a facilitator working with the mentally ill and homeless of the Inland Empire, and is now a respected author.

My Awesome Empire is broadcast over eight Southern California radio stations. The program, which is in its sixth season, is scheduled to end production in March.

“This is an extraordinary way to close out our program on a wonderful high note,” said Lacey Kendall, executive producer of the program and broadcast consultant to CSUSB.

The Golden Mic Awards honor the nation’s top college broadcasters for media production. My Awesome Empire has been recognized twice for its radio-journalism programming.

For more information about My Awesome Empire and Coyote Radio and Advertising, call (909) 537-3486. For more information about the Master of Business Administration program at CSUSB, call (909) 537-5703.

Also visit the My Awesome Empire website to listen to archived episodes.

For more information about California State University San Bernardino, contact the Office of Strategic Communication at (909) 537-5007 and visit inside.csusb.edu.