 Construction on the new facilities began in the spring of 2000.Legendary station engineer and Gannon professor Dr. John Duda was instrumental in the design of the new facilities, but sadly was never able to see them finished; Dr. Duda died in 2000, leaving behind a legacy that is now commemorated each spring with the annual "Duda Awards", presented to students on the WERG staff who have demonstrated excellence in various broadcasting techniques over the previous academic year.WERG began broadcasting from the Walker Building studios in September 2000, and the station was now utilizing digital broadcasting technology