A remarkable achievement and testament to journalistic excellence, Quinn Gorham (’21), a Biola University School of Fine Arts and Communication alumnus and former Eagle Vision student anchor, has been nominated for a Daytime Emmy award in the TV News EMMY sector. Gorham’s nomination is rooted in his impactful broadcast news segment about treacherous and heroic ice rescues on Lake Superior in Wisconsin.

For 74 years, the Television Academy has recognized and saluted excellence in the American and international television industry. Showcasing not only his commitment and integrity in storytelling, but also the critical role journalism has in highlighting stories of courage, resilience and innovation, Gorham’s package on Northern News Now based in Duluth, Minnesota highlights the combined work of the Ice Angel vehicle and the Ashland, Wisconsin fire department that makes lake ice rescues quicker and safer.

When asked about his thoughts on his Emmy award nomination, Gorham shared his astonishment at the nomination and excitement over seeing another Biola graduate — Kendall Jarboe (’20) — who was a recipient for a Regional EMMY for her reporter work on “The Local Exchange: Season 2 Composite.”

While working on filming the package, Gorham performed a simulated ice save and endured freezing water while being rescued.
While working on filming the package, Gorham performed a simulated ice save and endured freezing water while being rescued.

“It was a pretty surreal experience so early in my career, but I knew I was surrounded by some amazing mentors at the news station who had helped me get to where I was. I was also thrilled to see some of my coworkers, including a fellow Biola alumni, had also been nominated,” said Gorham.

First pitched by Gorham in winter of 2022, his news segment “Angel on the Ice” was born when he first heard about the rescue crafts through social media. What initially he thought would be an interesting story to convey visually, evolved into honoring the legacy of Dan Bochler. The story was revisited a year after he first reported or first investigated the piece after some setbacks and hardship, and the endeavor proved to be worthwhile, as Gorham and his photographer were able to capture breathtaking drone footage even as they traversed sub-freezing waters.

“Being pulled out of the sub-freezing waters of Lake Superior was a surreal experience that truly immersed me in the story. To me, the simulated rescue was the coolest part,” said Gorham.

“Quinn Gorham was one of the most morally transparent students I've had in my classes in recent years,” said Dr. Michael Longinow, professor of journalism. “One thing I helped students see was that every person they interview or report on is a human soul, someone worthy of respect and Quinn took that mindset into his reporting on local news and state politics. I was so happy to see his success in the work he does, and his story about ice rescues brought his joyful spirit back to me. It was like seeing him again as he was on campus: adventurous, funny, yet serious about the real needs of people.” 

The Ice Angel vehicle.
The Ice Angel vehicle

Gorham attributes much of his enthusiasm and commitment to his work now to his education at Biola. He recalls a distinct moment during his junior year at Biola when Longinow designated the term “justice-minded” to Gorham as the phrase he felt described him best.

This idea of justice is something that Gorham took with him beyond his education.

“That’s a mentality that I have strived to keep in my career. I firmly believe that every image-bearer is worthy of telling their story, and God has blessed me with a voice and a platform to tell those stories,” said Gorham.

Despite the goodness and thrill that has deeply colored his work, Gorham also understands that this field of work, like any other, also presents its own challenges. Stories are not always interesting and the mundaneness of it all often challenges Gorham to adjust his posture as he makes it an effort to integrate his faith in his calling.

“It’s hard to show compassion and kindness when you’re covering the city council for the fourth time this month,” said Gorham. “What I’ve found though, is developing relationships with your interviews, while showing them kindness and care, goes a long way. I don’t think it’s a thing exclusive to Christians, but I do think recognizing people as God’s creations helps you have a more understanding lens for the world.”

Gorham is one of many alumni who have been recognized for their excellence in the broadcast journalism field. Other recent graduates include alumna Anabel Munoz (’10) who currently reports on race and culture in Los Angeles, California with ABC7 Eyewitness News, alumna Velena Jones (’12) is a reporter for NBC Bay Area in California, alumna Morgan McKay (’15) is a political reporter for Fox 5 News in New York City, New York, alumnus John Kristianto (’14) currently works as a reporter/MMJ for ABC15 Arizona, and alumna Katelyn Quisenberry (’22) recently began as a Reporter/MMJ for WKRN-TV in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Learn more about Biola's studying journalism at Biola. 

    Written by Reina Lee, University Communications intern. For more information, contact Media Relations at media.relations@biola.edu.