Foothill Community College’s 53 year-old student-run radio station KFJC 89.7 FM was named “Best Community College Radio Station” in the U.S. by the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System March 3 at its 2012 Student Radio Awards in New York City.

In addition to the two award nominations for the station’s public affairs show Thoughtline and promotion of its Psychotronix Film Festival, KFJC also took home the award for “Best Fundraising/Underwriting Campaign” for its fundraising and production work.

According to a press release by KFJC, “KFJC’s award winning entries are indicative of the hard work and creativity of its all-volunteer and student staff.”

KFJC publicity manager Jennifer Waits said that during the 2011 fundraiser, more than 150 different fundraiser spots were created by KFJC disc jockeys and that “KFJC strives to have a creative, listenable on-air fundraiser,” she said.

Waits added it was unfortunate that none of the students or staff were able to attend the awards ceremony.

The mastermind behind the award winning spot was DJ Cadillac Margarita, aka Margaret Purdy, who’s fundraising spot played with the homophone “beet.”

“I was sitting at home, and I really like beets, the vegetables – love ’em. I was looking at an encyclopedia of stains and, for whatever reason, I looked at beets,” Purdy said. “I was like, ‘beet stains – music beats. OK, I’m going to run with this.’ I played some music, put on a semi-pretentious sounding accent and read the definition of what a beet is.”

KFJC was also a finalist for IBS’s Abraham & Borst Award for Best Overall Radio Station in the nation. The station competed in a field comprised of both community and four-year colleges and universities.

“I love KFJC and have always been proud of the station and my fellow DJs,” Waits said. “I’m happy that we received this award and believe that it’s well-deserved recognition for all the hard work done by KFJC students and volunteers.”

The award nominated special edition of Thoughtline aired Dec. 26, 2011. Special edition host Ken Patterson said the special was a “magazine style” show.

It included segments on the Museum of American Heritage’s Lego exhibit and an interview with voice actor Ryan Drummond, the voice of video game character Sonic the Hedgehog, about his work in a new Star Wars game. Also included was audio from old Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood episodes. Patterson said Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood was a “nice way to end the year.”

“I felt that this was a good candidate to be submitted for the ward,” Patterson said. “It also had a good mix of participants, and showcased previous entries that were still timely.”

According to the station’s website, another special edition of Thoughtline will air March 26 from 6 to 7 p.m. and the Psychotronix Film Festival occurs multiple times throughout the year.

The awards were presented at the 72nd annual IBS Conference in New York. IBS has existed for 72 years and represents more than 1,000 student radio stations and webcasters across the U.S.