Capstone Spotlight: Electronic Media Capstone Documentary, Modern Day Farmer, Wins Top Honors
June 03, 2025
WHITEWATER, Wis. — The Department of Communication is proud to spotlight Modern Day Farmer, an inspiring capstone documentary created by UW-W student Emma Gailloreto, which recently earned top recognition for its excellence in storytelling and community engagement, winning not only 1st place in the department’s Electronic Media senior capstone competition but also taking 1st place awards at both the Wisconsin Broadcaster’s Association Student Awards for Excellence and the Midwest MediaFest.
This compelling film follows the journey of a small-town farmer as he works to transform his passion into a sustainable, full-time career. Focusing on community involvement, the daily upkeep of heavy equipment, and the unwavering dedication required to maintain a working farm, the documentary offers a raw and authentic look at what it means to farm in the 21st century.
“Emma’s project stands out not just for its technical quality, but for its heart,” said Jim Mead, Senior Lecturer in Electronic Media. “She captured the spirit of rural resilience and painted a powerful portrait of what it takes to build something meaningful from the ground up. It’s a story of grit, growth, and deep roots—exactly the kind of work we hope to foster in our program.”
Watch the full documentary here.
UWW-TV: A Premier Hub for Student Creators
Emma’s success is a testament to the power of UWW-TV, the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater’s student-run television station and academic program. UWW-TV offers an unparalleled, hands-on experience for students interested in media production, journalism, storytelling, and digital content creation.
With access to professional-grade equipment, studio facilities, and real broadcast opportunities, students in the Electronic Media program learn by doing—creating award-winning content that reaches both campus and regional audiences.
From live sports and newscasts to original documentaries and creative series, UWW-TV continues to be a launching pad for the next generation of media professionals. It’s not just a classroom—it’s a creative studio, newsroom, and production house rolled into one.
Congratulations again to Emma Gailloreto for her outstanding work on Modern Day Farmer. Her achievement exemplifies the talent, drive, and storytelling excellence fostered by UWW-TV and the Department of Communication.