At 2:22 on Friday afternoon, WSUM 91.7 FM entered the airwaves and UW-Madison lost its status as the only Big Ten school without a radio station.

The switch was flipped to go on the air at a ceremony attended by past and present station staff, as well as many others who were instrumental in the final delivery of a radio station to the UW campus.

The first program aired by WSUM was a brief introductory show hosted by Evan Cohen.

Moments before the show, Cohen admitted to nervousness as well as excitement.

“It’s taken a lot of work the last few weeks to get this show together,” Cohen said, “But this is also very exciting because everyone involved with WSUM the last few years deserves this moment.”

Stephen Thompson, entertainment editor for The Onion, was among those present for the ceremony. Thompson was involved with WSUM for 11 years, as music director for the station from 1991 to 1995, and then later on the alumni board.

“I feel fantastic. This is the culmination of fifty years of hard work,” Thompson said. “It’s tremendously exciting and gratifying. Everything that happens from this point forward, everyone involved with the station, gets to stand on the shoulders of the people before them. ”

Several people involved with WSUM spoke at the ceremony, among them Chancellor John Wiley.

Wiley said he was touched by students working together, generation after generation, and putting time and effort into a project they might not be around to see the results of.

“These people have been working hard for future generations of students,” Wiley said. “It’s so gratifying to see this.”

Former professor James Hoyt was also on hand to speak before the ceremony. Hoyt was involved with campus radio throughout his tenure at UW, using the earlier dormitory stations to help teach his classes.

Hoyt said there was a strong tradition of student radio on Madison’s campus.

“So here we are,” Hoyt said. “Now, it’s on to the current generation of students. You are part of a tradition of student radio on this campus. You inherit something, contribute to it, make it better, and you pass it on.”

WSUM General Manager Dave Black agreed.

“I’m glad we’re on to a new chapter,” he said.

Station Manager Rod Swims explained the importance of this “new chapter.”

“2-22-02 is the beginning of a new era for WSUM,” Swims said. “We’re moving forward with new ambitions and new goals, all of which we hope to achieve.”

Among those students present was Lamont Smith, vice-chair for the Student Services Finance Committee. SSFC was the committee responsible for funding WSUM and was instrumental in making the radio station a reality.

“This is unbelievable,” Smith said. “I think this is something every student can enjoy and appreciate. There’s no better way to spread goodwill than through music. This just opens so many doors on the UW-Madison campus.”

Former SSFC member Matt Modell said the segregated fees allotted for the station are well spent and will benefit all students.

“I am very pleased we were able to get a radio station on the air,” Modell said.

“We’re finally using segregated fees for something that can benefit all students.”

UW senior Stephanie Crantz said she was excited with the idea of a campus radio station.
“This is really great,” Crantz said. “I can’t wait to see what this is all about.”