Stephanie Finds her Voice and Career at WIDB

by Stephanie Wiewel

I found out about WIDB during my Sophomore year at SIU from my suitemate, Sarah Maher. Before being active in WIDB, I would often accompany Sarah to WIDB remotes for Dawgs Nite Out or events at the student center.

Sarah Maher Mike Maxwell and Malcom Turner at this WIDB remote

Sarah Maher Mike Maxwell and Malcom Turner “person” the WIDB remote.

Through these events and the welcoming environment that WIDB had for anyone who was a little on the strange side, I decided to join the station as a “behind the scenes” member, helping with remotes here and there.

Stephanie and Maggie having fun at the station

Stephanie and Sarah having fun at the station

During my time at WIDB I went from just lending a hand at remotes, to being News Director writing music reviews, to ultimately taking over as Operations Manager where I was in charge of new DJs and also hosted my first On-Air show during my senior year at SIU. I loved getting to work with new DJs to develop their show ranging from gossip shows to 80s rock and everything in between and watching them rise through the ranks at WIDB.

WIDB staff heads 2013-4

WIDB staff heads 2014 including Mike, Karl Stegeman, Chris Crow, Brad Henning, Tom Marcinak among others.

Some favorite memories at WIDB include just hangout out at the station catching up on classwork or just chatting with fellow staff members Mike Maxwell, Sarah Maher, Amber Dorney, Chris Crow, Maggie Batson,

Kevin Hart and Maggie Batson

Kevin Hart and Sarah

Kevin Hart and several others including former WIDB’ers I was able to meet at the 45th reunion. The ugly Christmas sweater parties,

WIDB Ugly Christmas Sweater party

WIDB Ugly Christmas Sweater party featuring Rachel Geller, Sarah, Kevin, Brad Mike, Danny Valle, among others.

staff parties, Cardboard Boat Regatta, and bowling events were always a fun time as well.

Having fun at Little Grand Canyon

Having fun at Little Grand Canyon with Sarah, Stephanie and Eric Hirshci.

Because WIDB is such a hodgepodge of mismatched things (including the furniture in the station itself) it always seemed to be a welcoming environment for all majors – not just those limited to Mass Comm and that is what made it a fun station to join.

Best Promo Award 2015 Stephanie and Sarah

Best Promo Award 2015 Stephanie and Sarah

Since graduating at SIU, I have worked at STARadio Corp. in Quincy, Illinois where I have worked as on On-Air Talent for WCOY 99.5 and Real 92.9 in addition to serving as the Production Director for the 5 stations STARadio houses for the past 3 years.

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