"Chair Chat" - Report from the Chair
(March, 2003)
Greetings and Welcome!
 Welcome
to the latest edition of the WNUR Alumni Organization "Chair
Chat" column. It's been quite some time since I've been in
touch, and I apologize for that. Please know that it certainly
has not been for lack of news to report. Our current WNUR
students continue to rack up awards as they produce quality
programming over the local airwaves and across the globe,
through the magic of Internet streaming. It's a very long
technological leap from the days of "Agnes," our much-loved
1,000-watt transmitter of the 1960's and 1970's, and her little
10-watt predecessor from our first decade on the air.
If you've followed my irregular musings over
the past three+ years, you know what's coming next. My monologue
always turns back to the students who make WNUR a living reality
"24/7" year-round. The student staff is the part of WNUR that I
can honestly say is least-changed: Eager, anxious, nervous,
inquisitive, sometimes pushy, and always intelligent and
creative. Always pushing the envelope and blazing trails.
During the past school year, WNUR students
have continued to excel, walking away with major awards at SPJ
(Society of Professional Journalists/Sigma Delta Chi), INBA
(Illinois News Broadcasters Association), and CBI (Collegiate
Broadcasters, Inc.). For example, the students brought home the
"Best Radio Newscast in the State" award from the INBA again
this year, along with a second place in the national SPJ awards,
numerous regional awards, and several wins in the newly founded
Collegiate Broadcasters' awards.
On the music side, WNUR hosted its second
annual "Chicago Sounds Jazzfest," starring MacArthur genius
grant winner Ken Vandermark. Over 100 other artists performed
live at WNUR during the year.
Today's WNUR students have had more national
and international exposure than any group of us from the past 52
years. The good news is that they consistently finish on top,
regardless of the competition and regardless of category.
I'll switch gears a bit, as this brings me
to our next topic. This May, the WNUR Alumni Organization will
present the Third Annual Willis L. Butler Prize to an
outstanding WNUR student staff member, the person who most
exemplifies the quiet leadership style of Bill Butler, WNUR's
first General Manager. Bill, always unassuming and modest,
quietly encouraged others to succeed and remained largely in the
background while his staff racked up experience and credit.
That's the type of leadership we reward with the Butler Prize.
You can learn more about the Prize and its first two recipients
by visiting our website,
www.wnur.org/alumsite. It's worthwhile reading.
When we inaugurated the Butler Prize in
early 2001, a few of us on the Governing Board "passed the hat"
and kicked in the necessary funds for a plaque and a stipend for
the recipient. Last year, a few more of our alums asked if they
could help, too, and their contributions were added in. For
those who wish to help us support the Butler Prize this year,
send a check, payable to Northwestern University (it's fully tax
deductible to the extent permitted by law) to:
Ms. Anita Hillin
Development Director
School of Communication
Northwestern University
2020 Ridge Avenue, Room 471
Evanston, IL 60208
Please make sure you write on the check--and
in your note--that the contribution is for the "Willis L. Butler
Memorial Prize." Anita will take care of the rest, and the Prize
will be awarded at this year's School of Communication
Convocation in May. As we've done before, a photo and biography
of the 2003 recipient will appear on our Alumni Organization
website.
Last, I'd like to announce our second annual
WNUR Student-Alumni Gathering, scheduled for spring quarter on
the Evanston Campus. Snacks and refreshments will be served, and
all alumni will have an opportunity to tour the WNUR studios,
newsroom, and even our modern transmitter facilities high atop
Leverone Hall. There is no charge to attend, and more details
will be emailed to you as plans are finalized.
Thanks for listening!
My very best wishes,
Steve Rudolph, '75
President
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