Plungis, a senior video production and psychology double major, has been named the 2008-09 technical director of WOUB's Emmy Award-winning show, "Gridiron Glory," and is a track and field pentathlete and javelin thrower. She hopes to pursue a career in the sports broadcasting industry, working either at a sports stadium or a sports television station.

"She puts her mind to wanting to learn about the multimedia business," said Michael Rodriguez, the student professional development director for WOUB. "At WOUB, she's really embraced the challenges and technology in her three plus years there. She really fortifies our team."

Rye, a sophomore video production major pursuing an environmental studies certificate, is active in the Sustainable Living Organization. She will spend this summer in Thailand, creating a documentary supplement to a graduate student's thesis on fair-trade rice and plans to eventually produce her own thesis documentary on the local and global effects of industrial agriculture

"Nora's so passionate about sustainable living, especially fair trade," said Ohio University Sustainability Coordinator Sonia Marcus. "Her passion garners others' interest and brings public attention to an important issue."

Plungis and Rye were selected from a field of 50 applicants for the award, which is sponsored by the King Family Foundation. The foundation supports individuals, institutions and organizations committed to educational excellence and professional development and provide scholarships to outstanding students planning to enter the television and film industry.