Columbia Student, Former Television Professor Honored at Regional Emmy Awards

News Office Staff / Nov 19, 2019

Richard Bernal, longtime adjunct professor in Columbia's Television department, and current TV Producing and Writing student Sarah Taschetta were both recognized for their work in film and broadcast at the 61st annual Regional Emmy Awards last weekend.

Two individuals with ties to Columbia were honored at the on Saturday, November 16.

Richard Bernal, longtime adjunct professor in Columbia's Television department, was among 10 Silver Circle Award honorees at the ceremony. Bernal more notably served as staff director at Chicago’s WBBM-Channel 2 (CBS) and WFLD-Channel 32 (Fox) news stations.

The Silver Circle Award recognizes those who have devoted 25 years or more to the television industry and have made significant contributions to Chicago broadcasting.

Bernal was one of 10 prominent broadcasters chosen by a committee of academy board members to be inducted in the Silver Circle of the Chicago/Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Also taking home a win was current Columbia Television student, , who was recognized with a Crystal Pillar Student Achievement Award for her documentary short, "."

Currently a senior majoring in TV Producing and Writing, this is the second consecutive year Taschetta has received a nomination for the Crystal Pillar. Her 2018 recognition was for her work on a documentary short film titled, "" which featured an enthusiastic 18 year old Wheaton North High School student with down syndrome in his final semester of senior.

For a full list of award recipients, visit .

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