DePauw University celebrates WGRE’s 70th birthday
GREENCASTLE, Ind. (WISH) — WGRE on DePauw University’s campus is the oldest college radio station in the country.
“There’s not many of us left and so the fact that we’re still here, we’re still operating, it’s a very special moment for us,” said Peter Nicieja. “We’re very proud of the station.”
The station first hit the airwaves back in 1949. It’snow DePauw’s largest student organization and involves about 200 students each year.
Many aspiring broadcasters, in Indiana and around the country, called WGRE home before launching their careers.
They kicked off the celebration this past weekend with a 24-hour marathon broadcast that featured live call-ins from alums from all over the country.
Students say it’s that kind of commitment that has helped it last so long.
“We’ve become kind of a family community and what I think keeps bringing people back is because we have those memories of contributing to WGRE,” senior Sarah Russell said.
“It’s not something that you see everywhere,” sophomore Ally Low said.
However, they say it’s not all fun and games at the station.
Students operate and run the station 24/7, which means you could call WGRE at any time and you’re likely to speak to a student.
Students say people even work shifts as early as 2:00 a.m.
“This really is like a business on campus,” Low said. “It feels very different from just a classroom.”
They hope this strategy continues to set them apart, turning their current students into the media leaders of tomorrow.
WGRE’s actual birthday is on April 28.
To learn more about WGRE, click here.