By: Tarah Jeannis, Stuff Writer
Gone from the airwaves for a while, WSLU is back!
WSLU Radio, 107.1FM or 1620AM, was started by Saint Leo University students in 1945 and used to be carry the call letters WLEO. The station has gone through many starts and stops over the years, despite facing these many setbacks its once again is roaring its way to the Saint Leo student body.
In 2006 Saint Leo University students revived the radio station and also gave it new call letters of “WSLU”. In 2010 Dr. Diane Monahan was appointed as the Academic Advisor for WSLU. Alongside a faculty committee who supports her and the radio. The committee consists of David McGinnis and Dr. Bruce Hammond.
“The purpose of the radio station is to provide both broadcasting experience to students who are interested in gaining such experience, a recreational outlet for students as well as more standard programming,” states Dr. Monahan.
WSLU radio supports several majors that relate to communication. “However, students of all majors can benefit from working with WSLU,” explains Dr. Monahan.
On previous shows WSLU has presented many topics such as Music, sports commentary, Catholic devotionals, Old Time Radio Shows, NPR news at the top of the hour, and a variety of other programming. WSLU’s main goal is to be a thread that connects the student body.
“It is our hope to re-vitalize the radio so that we have radio streaming in key areas on campus, such as the bookstore and social areas,” says Dr. Monahan
Beside recreation Saint Leo Students can use the station as a way to enhance education experience. For example, education majors can prepare a lesson plan and create a radio show for the local elementary schools or even local children and teens that are in home schooling curriculums. These lessons can contain vocabulary help or even weekly history lessons to keep the youth involved and motivated to learn. Biology majors can use WSLU as a source to inform SLU students and the surrounding community with environmental reports.
“I invite all students to come and create! Let the community hear your message,” expresses Dr. Monohan.
WSLU is an education and cultivating experience that allows students of all majors to experience interacting with not only SLU students but also the community. WSLU Radio airs 24 hours a day and seven days a week; be sure to tune in lions!
