Students' documentary nominated for an Emmy Award

A documentary produced by Tim Scully, communication studies, and his students has been nominated for an Emmy Award. In its five-state regional category, the film is up against broadcast television documentaries; winners will be announced Oct. 23.

"Getting nominated is a big deal," said Karen Boros, journalism, who serves on the board of governors of the National Television Academy-Upper Midwest Chapter. "Usually about 800 tapes are entered; then we send those from our area to other chapters to be judged. The standards are strict and only the top two or three in each category are nominated. It is very competitive."

"Lessons From the Heart" documents a February 2003 trip to Nairobi by doctors and nurses involved in Children's HeartLink, a Twin Cities charity that coordinates medical trips to developing countries. In Nairobi, the team taught advanced surgical techniques to save the hearts – and lives – of children.

The St. Thomas students (who also helped by carrying heart valves over in their luggage) filmed in the operating room as well as followed the progress of former patients by visiting their homes. "It is up to humans to save humans," said one student. "Need has no nationality," said another.

"Telling the story has motivated my students beyond the classroom," Scully said. "I am proud of them."

Scully said that he and the students "were thrilled to be nominated. This speaks well of the students' work that they made it into a professional award category. It will be great for their résumés."

"Lessons From the Heart" also was shown on PBS locally.

Students who went to Nairobi were Letitia Englund, Christina Holm, Amanda Lutz, Lucas Munson, Tom Oszman and Jeff Sauer. Brad Jacobsen from St. Thomas' information resources helped manage the video equipment and shot video of the mission and the students at work.