Northwestern’s Media Arts department inducted its first three members into the Northwestern Hall of Fame last Friday, October 9, recognizing alumni whose careers have made a lasting impact on Christian broadcasting and ministry.
Ann Sorenson, dean of the School of Arts & Humanities and professor of film, opened the ceremony by sharing the vision behind the new tradition.
“We are beginning a tradition of recognizing the kind of creative lives we hope to inspire in every student who passes through the Media Arts at Northwestern,” Sorenson said.
The inaugural inductees Dan Wynia ’76, Neil Stavem ’95 and Lisa (Nagell ’87) Barry each spent decades using their broadcasting careers to encourage listeners, as well as other mediums and platforms to share the truth and love of the Gospel.
Wynia devoted 43 years to Christian radio, serving in a variety of roles with Northwestern Media. Throughout his career, he hosted radio programs, organized listener cruises and Holy Land tours, and helped oversee the Joyful Noise Music Festival. He said a piece of advice from his pastor helped keep him focused throughout his years in broadcasting.
“You know, God did not call you to be successful. He called you to be faithful,” Wynia said.
Stavem, who was unable to attend the ceremony in person, shared his reflections in a video message. After 46 years with Northwestern Media, he retired in 2022 after serving in on-air and network leadership roles, eventually leading the team behind the Faith Radio Network. His career included supporting stations across the country and providing broadcast coverage of major evangelistic and missions events.
Barry also began her broadcasting career at Northwestern, joining KTIS while still a student. She went on to become a longtime on-air personality, work with Christian FM Media Network and expand her ministry through social media and podcasting. In 2024, she received the Christian Music Broadcasters Industry Achievement Award, recognizing her contributions to Christian broadcasting.
For Barry, the Hall of Fame induction was a meaningful reminder of the role Northwestern and her faith have played throughout her life and career.
“In a way, I feel like I need to give this award right back because I owe it all to the Lord and what He did through this place. Because my life would never be the same,” Barry said.
Together, the three inductees represent decades of service to Christian media, reflecting the Media Arts department’s goal of preparing students to use their creativity and skills to carry out Northwestern Media’s mission of “leading people to Christ and nurturing believers in their spiritual growth through Christ-centered media”.
To learn more about the inductees and their stories, visit Northwestern’s Hall of Fame honorees page.
