Film and Media Production (FMP) student Nico Gomez earned top recognition for his public service announcement - “Keep Your Eyes on the Road.” The award was presented at the NATAS 2026 Rocky Mountain Southwest Student Production Awards Ceremony, held in late September. Nico, the writer and director of the winning public service announcement, received the coveted crystal pillar award. He attended the awards ceremony along with other GCC student nominees and FMP faculty Jeannie Berg, Adam Goldfine and Nathan Blackwell, and FMP technician Bryan Dubon.
“This prestigious award not only recognizes Nico's talent and creativity, but also highlights his incredible potential to become a gifted, impactful storyteller.” Stated Jeannie Berg, FMP Residential Faculty and Program Director at Glendale Community College.
A number of other FMP students received nominations for their work, Joe Hijoe, Kaden Major, Milo Brown and Kevin Martinez, several of whom were able to attend the event.
GCC’s Film and Media Production Program students have the opportunity to use the latest technologies to create real-world projects designed to develop their skills in the craft, process, and theory of visual storytelling. Coursework includes all phases of the production process, allowing students to develop the creative and technical skills needed to work in the film and video industry. GCC offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Film and Media Production as well as a Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Documentary Film Production.
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences - Rocky Mountain Southwest Region, Student Production Awards annual competition receives and judges student work from multiple colleges and universities in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and El Centro, California. Participating schools in 2026 included Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, Brigham Young University, Utah State University, and Grand Canyon University. GCC and Scottsdale Community College were the only community colleges to have students receive nominations for their work in 2026. Judging criteria include creativity, content, and execution.
Glendale Community College provides a Bachelor of Arts degree, 41 associate degrees, 61 certificate programs, and a range of non-degree offerings, including community education classes, all available to students in traditional, online and hybrid formats. Founded in 1965 to serve the northwestern part of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, the college is part of the Maricopa County Community Colleges District, has two campuses and enrolls approximately 26,000 students annually, and employs approximately 1,000 resident faculty, staff, and administrators with an operational budget of $83 million.