Listen Here
UF’s radio station hosts a homecoming, anniversary celebration
By Lauren Wolters, WoltersL1@Findlay.edu
The WLFC radio station at the University of Findlay celebrated its 50th anniversary during homecoming weekend with broadcasts at its station in the Alumni Memorial Union. The station hosted the celebration from 12:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30.
“That’s a big marker, that’s half of a century.” Alexander Davis, Instructor of Communication and Faculty Advisor to WLFC said. “I can’t even imagine all the bodies and voices that graced WLFC in some way, shape or form in the last fifty years.”
Talent from many of the radio station’s previous decades joined together for the celebration. Davis explained that previous members of the radio station conducted shows, told stories and broadcasted from the station during the celebration.
WLFC recognized many for their contributions to WLFC over the years. One individual was Bill Rumbold, who was the major pioneer behind the founding of WLFC.
“WLFC has expanded and changed in many ways since its conception,” Davis said. “Some [changes] include actually gaining an FM frequency, expanding its power via wattage, creating and managing content off the air [and] becoming a more diverse space for students of all backgrounds.”
WLFC also underwent a big change when the station moved from a second-floor classroom in Old Main to a newly renovated space in the AMU. This change in location occurred in August 2021, the same semester that Davis became the organization’s advisor and began teaching at UF. Davis believes the location change has been very beneficial for both UF students and WLFC.
“I believe it’s made WLFC more accessible and more noticeable,” Davis said. “The AMU is a widely known and utilized space. There is a great deal of foot traffic in and around the building. Therefore, with our glass windows on the outside and inside, it is easy to see us.”
The impact of the location change and Davis’s presence as the faculty advisor is very noticeable as WLFC has increased in size from having only three students involved to now having a fluctuating 20-30 students involved. The station has also gained more following on social media including Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter. Additionally, WLFC expanded its library to hold more genres like rap, R&B and death metal.
Davis enjoys the opportunity to advise WLFC and watch it grow.
“I’ve been in radio since I was 18 and have been interviewing and creating content since then,” Davis said. “So, when I see students doing it and doing it well, it makes my heart full. I like to brag about the individuals in my network and they make it quite easy for me to do so.”
UF students who work for WLFC can use the station’s equipment to record, edit and distribute their content. Davis stresses that WLFC helps students by much more than just providing them with the tools to broadcast.
“The radio station is important for UF students and the UF community as it provides an outlet for creativity and community,” Davis said. “It is a place where culture and many cultures are fostered and made available to the outside world.”
In this way, WLFC connects with students and community members far beyond those involved with the station.
“Whether to broadcast/podcast/interview/film/create, eat/relax, study, etc., it [WLFC] has become a safe space for many,” Davis said. “It’s more than just fostering content and creativity. It has become a home for many; that’s the beautiful thing to me.”
Davis sees the celebration of WLFC’s first fifty years as a bridge that remains unfinished but continues to be built upon as the station grows and changes.
“I mean the last two years have been a lot, so fifty years…that’s wild to think about,” Davis said. “[This celebration] also bridges the gap between WLFC then and WLFC now. I’m just appreciative of the opportunity and thankful for those that show WLFC any kind of love.”
