When Father Gillhooly threw the switch that launched WSOU-FM on April 14, 1948, he had no idea that the Seton Hall University radio station was starting a journey that would nurture the careers of hundreds of broadcasters, journalists and musicians. Those first few watts of power proved to be the spark that helped the modest station on 89.5 FM grow into a nationally recognized and respected educational and radio broadcast leader.

To celebrate the milestone of reaching 60 years, a host of beloved regional radio voices will return to student-run WSOU on its birthday, Monday April 14, for a Throwback Day. Some very recognizable WSOU alumni will take turns spinning records for the day, including Glenn Schuck of WINS, New York traffic reporter Peter Tauriello, Fresh FM personality Brandi Ferraro and Dan Blackman, afternoon drive host on Philadelphia’s B101. The day will start with a morning show hosted by WABC-TV and WPLJ-FM traffic reporter Joe Nolan, who will talk live with WSOU alumni around the country, including ESPN’s Bob Ley.

WSOU alumni are well-known. Nationally, Americans know sports broadcasters like Ley, Jim Hunter and Bob Picozzi, see the work of news producers like NBC's Bob Windrem and CNN co-founder Bob Wussler, and hear music nurtured and promoted by folks like Mike DePippa at Sony/BMG. New Yorkers and New Jerseyans know the voices or faces of Donna Fuducia, Dan Packer, Jewelz Lopez, Bill Rock and the late Pat Parsons.

“I always feel a sense of awe when I think about the talent that got its start at WSOU,” said Mark Maben, WSOU general manager. “For 60 years, WSOU has produced students who have become leaders in the broadcast, entertainment and music industries. That is something we are very proud of.”

After six decades, WSOU has many achievements to celebrate. The station was the first college-owned FM station in New Jersey and has been student-run continuously throughout its 60-year history. Hall Line, the sports call-in show that follows every men’s basketball game, has been on the air for more than 40 years, making it one of the longest continuously-running sports shows. WSOU has one of the first non-NPR affiliated college stations to broadcast in HD Radio.

In addition to Throwback Day, WSOU is hosting a dinner for station alumni on Friday, April 11. The following Friday, April 18, WSOU is sponsoring a big birthday concert at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ. The line up pays tribute to WSOU’s more than 20 years as a loud rock station. Performing will be Shadows Fall, Unearth, Otep, 5 Finger Death Punch, Bloodsmiple, and A Life Once Lost.

Media Note: To arrange interviews, attend the Throwback Day event or the birthday celebration at Starland Ballroom, contact Jill Matthews at (973) 378-2695 or mattheji@shu.edu.

The Throwback Day line up for April 14 is as follows:

  • 6-10 a.m: WSOU’s 60th Anniversary Morning Show with Joe Nolan (WABC-TV, WPLJ-FM)
  • 10-11 a.m.: Bernie Wagenblast (voice of the AirTrain for Newark and JFK & Director of Affiliate and Agency Relations for Shadow Traffic/Metro Networks)
  • 11 a.m.-12p.m.: Dan Blackman (B101 FM)
  • 12-1 p.m.: Dave Packer (Fresh FM 102.7)
  • 1-2 p.m.: Glenn Schuck (1010 WINS)
  • 2-3 p.m.: Pete Tauriello (1010 WINS)
  • 3-4 p.m.: Kim Mulligan (WDHA/Sirius Satellite Radio)
  • 4-5 p.m.: Brandi Ferraro (Fresh FM 102.7)
  • 5-6 p.m.: Jewelz Lopez (Pulse FM/Sirius)
  • 7-8 p.m.: Steve Aprea (Fresh FM Chief Engineer)
  • 8-9 p.m. "Cat" (K-Rock)

Noted WSOU Alumni
For 60 years, WSOU has been mentoring and graduating students who go on successful careers in the news, broadcast, music and entertainment industries. The following is a sampling of the many noteworthy station alumni:

  • Bob Ley, ESPN SportsCenter Anchor
  • Bob Wussler, Former President, CBS Television Network; Co-founder of CNN
  • Glenn Schuck, 1010Wins Reporter
  • Donna Fiducia, Former Fox News Channel Anchor and New York Television Personality
  • Joe Nolan, WABC-TV and WPJL Traffic Reporter
  • Linda Fowler, Arts & Entertainment Editor, Newark Star-Ledger
  • Bill Rock, promotional voice of NBC Nightly News and former WNBC/WYNY DJ
  • Brandi Ferraro, Evening Host on New York’s 102.7 Fresh FM
  • Dave Packer, Fresh FM’s Morning Man
  • Matt Loughlin, NJ Devils radio Play-by-Play Announcer
  • Dan Blackman, Afternoon Drive Host, Philadelphia’ B101
  • Bob Salter, WFAN Host
  • Mike DePippa, Sony/Epic Records Vice President, Rock & Alternative
  • Bob Windrem, Senior Producer (Investigations Unit), NBC Nightly News
  • Jim Hunter, Play-by-Play Announcer, Baltimore Orioles
  • Jewelz Lopez, Mid-Day Host, Pulse FM, New York
  • George Meade, News Anchor/Reporter WOR-AM
  • Anthony Delia, National Manager, Atlantic Records
  • Anthony Colombo, Chart Manager, Billboard/Radio & Records
  • Mike Boyle, Senior Editor, Radio & Records and Correspondent/Rock, Billboard/Billboard.Biz
  • Richard “Dick” Oppenheimer, Retired Station Group Owner
  • Pat Parson (deceased), Former WCBS-AM News Anchor

About WSOU
WSOU, which began broadcasting in 1948, is the number-one college radio station in the New York metro area. WSOU programs modern active rock and is well-known in the music industry for playing bands such as Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, Thursday and My Chemical Romance before they became commercial successes. In addition to its active rock programming, WSOU is also the broadcast home for Seton Hall athletics and airs religious, public affairs and ethnic programming. With a 2,400-watt signal broadcast from the University’s South Orange campus, WSOU reaches all five boroughs of New York City and much of northern and central of New Jersey.

Through the decades, WSOU has earned many honors and national recognition, including a Peabody Award, selection as College of Station of the year multiple times and being named Metal Station of the Year twice. The station is also the recipient of more than 30 gold and platinum records.

About Seton Hall University
For 150 years, Seton Hall University has been a catalyst for leadership, developing the whole student – mind, heart and spirit. Seton Hall combines the resources of a large university with the personal attention of a small liberal arts college. Its attractive suburban campus is only 14 miles from New York City, with the wealth of employment, internship, cultural and entertainment opportunities the city offers. Seton Hall is a Catholic university that embraces students of all races and religions, challenging each to better the world through integrity, compassion and a commitment to serving others. For more information, see www.shu.edu.