An avid musician for decades, Chapin ‘Scott’ Birney came to WVUD in the 90s, eventually setting up shop on the Friday morning Roots program. From that perch, Scott has shared his love and knowledge of music and built quite an extensive following. Many of these devotees donate to WVUD for the honor of doing a ‘Dream Hour’ with Scott on-air. Some of these fans have even become WVUD DJs! Scott has also ‘livened’ up WVUD by bringing in outside musicians to perform on-air. And if there aren’t any local musicians nearby, Scott is never far from his guitar case and an impromptu live performance in-studio or at a WVUD concert. This could mean a classic cover, a Sin City Band hit, or maybe even something from the ‘Half-Price’ Burger Band.

Scott Birney is someone who is all about building community and sharing his love of music with people inside and outside the walls of WVUD. The radio station is fortunate to be connected with him and we are happy to induct him into our Hall of Fame.

Teddy Gelman’s career in the WVUD sports department covered several of the most productive years in its history. As a multi-year Sports Director, Teddy was the driving force behind coverage that exceeded the bar for both quantity (over 100 broadcasts one year) and quality. Under Teddy’s guidance, the sports team grew in size and stature and also became more ingrained with the non-sports areas of the radio station. Some departmental accomplishments include broadcasting nontraditional sports (including covering a field hockey National Championship), live remote appearances, and even forays into producing video features.

Teddy’s largest accomplishment was to play a main role in breaking a coaching scandal on campus. His attention to detail and journalistic integrity played a huge part in getting that story out to the public. Teddy’s talent and drive made an impact on student media at UD and he is very deserving of this Hall of Fame honor.

For over two decades, Ken Galvin has shared his encyclopedic knowledge of rock & roll with the WVUD audience via the Classic Rock Café. Despite the genre not changing much over time, Ken has managed to keep his show fresh with deep tracks, obscure bands, in-depth knowledge of the artists, and interesting anecdotes. It’s evident that a lot of work goes into this weekly program. What is not evident to most listeners and what continues to amaze those who know is that Ken is legally blind. Ken had to work incredibly hard to become a DJ at WVUD and to prep each show.

His ability to manage all the complex equipment despite his vision loss is amazing. Ken is truly inspirational and is a testament to working hard to achieve your goals regardless of obstacles that may be in the way. Ken exudes WVUD and Blue Hen pride. He supports many of our shows on-air and is always ready to call with a friendly compliment or just to say that he is listening. Ken is a wonderful teammate and a treasure of knowledge. We welcome Ken Galvin into the WVUD Hall of Fame.

Pat came to WVUD in the late 90s but had long before established himself as a radio pro. Pat’s career began at age 18 in South Dakota and took him around the dial before eventually landing him in Delaware (literally, by way of Dover AFB) in 1985. Stints at WDOV, WDSD, and eventually WJBR AM as well as work in adjacent entertainment fields are a part of a diverse resumé. Best known as an Avenue C jazz host at WVUD, Pat has also served as part of our Sunday night old-time music programming. He is well known for his expertise in multiple musical genres and an encyclopedic knowledge of all things Sinatra. Additionally, he has volunteered his time at numerous station appearances over the years.

Rarely missing a show over the decades (unless his beloved Red Sox were in the playoffs), Pat has been a dependable and versatile contributor to WVUD. We look forward to his continued work at the station and are pleased to induct him into our Hall of Fame.

From early on, Roger Holmes was a communicator. Dating back to his time in the Army Signal Corps and extending to his help in getting Temple’s WRTI on the air, it has always been apparent that Roger was an expert at connecting with people. This trait carried him through a career spanning 6+ decades in radio. Over the years, Roger’s talents as a communicator were on display on local commercial radio stalwarts such as WIP, WNRK, WDEL, and WAMS. His commercial career spanned musical careers ranging from Sinatra to The Beatles and beyond.

While his WVUD career may have seemed like a footnote or a blip, Roger spent over a decade and a half hosting ‘In A Mist’. It was at this last stop in his radio career that he was finally able to share his talents beyond the local area with the help of the world wide web. Roger dedicated a large amount of his life to the music and to entertaining his listeners. Always the consummate professional on the air and the kindest gentleman off the air, it is an honor to recognize Roger for his dedication to WVUD and to the entire local radio community

Tom McElhone (a.k.a. Mac Thomas) was a fixture on Java Time and the public affairs block with his Let’s Go Cruisin’ program. He was also a frequent fill-in on other shows and even served as a sports producer at a time when student interest had waned. He truly was a versatile performer who lent his energy and voice to many things within the radio station. A mentor to students, a friend to fellow DJS, and an ambassador for the station at various car shows, Tom left an indelible imprint on the station. He even (unknowingly) became a pioneer for the technology that kept WVUD afloat during COVID. He was our first fully remote DJ, expertly piping in shows each week from Ohio after he left this area.

Regardless of whether it was a radio show or a station promo, Tom had the innate ability to always leave his listeners with a smile. He did this each and every week, through multiple health issues…even recording a show the week of his untimely passing. Mac Thomas was truly a dedicated WVUD icon and deserves his spot in our Hall of Fame.

Attalie Carnavali arrived at UD from New York and didn’t immediately feel quite at home until she found WVUD. From that moment on, Attalie became a game changer for the radio station.

Starting as a typical student member, she quickly took on a leadership position as Program Director. As PD, she grew the fledgling Basement into its own quirky, vibrant brand (with record membership), while keeping the FM running smoothly as well.

Attalie was then thrust into the General Manager position due to the early graduation of her predecessor.

In the 2+ years that followed, Attalie continued to attract a variety of students to WVUD. She made them feel truly at home at the station.

Her creation of the student lounge and its popularity is a testament to members finding their home and ‘their people’ at WVUD.

Whether you know her as Michele McCann or Shelley Kelley, chances are that you recognize her as an integral part of the fabric of WVUD. For almost two decades (minus a brief sojourn out west), Michele has provided avid listeners with a masterfully crafted Java Time radio experience.

Additionally, she has formally served WVUD’s interests as a long time Community Representative on the Operations Board. Informally, Michele was an important part of a small group of community volunteers that successfully worked with students and administration throughout a particularly complicated transition in University and radio station leadership.

A successful business woman and an accomplished, award winning musician, Michele/Shelley is a dedicated ambassador for the radio station, promoting it at appearances and helping to facilitate partnerships within the community. She truly brings life to her catch phrase ‘WVUD-The Station that Loves You Back’.

John Gardner’s impact on WVUD is evident any time a copy of Dare to Be Loud or Dare to Be Louder is on display, but it goes much deeper than that. In addition to being the driving force behind engineering, producing, (and even performing on) those compilations, John was visible at WVUD in other prominent roles.

As our final student Technical Director, John had his hands in everything from Sports Production to training new students, to being active with the remote studio location on the Perkins concourse.

Additionally, he was part of two of the most successful student radio programs in recent memory. With his partner Michele Ingari, John co-hosted the Blue Hen Hot Seat public affairs show as well as the Rockaholics Anonymous music program.

John was always seen at WVUD with a big smile and a willing attitude to help out in whatever area might have needed his expertise. We are proud to welcome John into the WVUD Hall of Fame!

Ellen Ellis started as a substitute DJ at WXDR in 1986 and quickly became an important contributor to many different programs on the station. This included involvement in the early stages of Womansong and Global Beat, as well as frequent contributions to the Roots program.

Ellen is best known as the host of the Green Willow Celtic music program each Wednesday evening. Her intricate knowledge of this genre has garnered her many connections in the international music scene and has helped to assist in her role as a concert booker for the Green Willow Folk Club.

Ellen proudly promotes WVUD at area concerts and events, and continues to be one of the most visible hosts at the station, filling in where needed in addition to her popular weekly program.

We welcome Ellen into the WVUD Hall of Fame!

For close to three decades, Gloria James has been one of the most recognizable voices on WVUD. Through her weekly Avenue C program, Gloria provides an exciting take on the jazz genre, while also carving out time to provide spotlight opportunities for local musicians and performers of all ages.

Gloria has always been a dependable part of WVUD’s community presence as well. Whether representing the station at events such as Community Day or Ag Day, helping to facilitate underwriting partnerships, or mentoring potential new station members, Gloria continues to be a magnetic personality that people enjoy being around.

WVUD is fortunate to have a person as giving as Gloria as part of our team and we are very excited to be welcoming her into our Hall of Fame.

Mike Tsarouhas was not your typical radio station member. While he never did a weekly radio show, his voice and his spirit are very much a part of the fabric of WVUD and The Basement.

As the Production Director, Mike built his department into one of the largest and most productive ones in station history. The quantity of creative promos and PSAs that were created by the ‘Prod Squad’ was impressive. Even more impressive was the quality of the work. Many of the character voices in these promos are actually Mike playing multiple roles flawlessly.

A welcoming personality that attracted other students of all types to our radio station, Mike was able to parlay his WVUD skills into a professional voiceover career. Mike is a prime example of going beyond the norm to utilize WVUD to build a skill set that led to unique career opportunities.

While many people take WVUD’s position at 91.3 FM for granted, without Pete Simon, it is highly possible that the station would
have never been able to make the move to FM. Pete played a vital role, as one of a small group of people with the foresight and energy to push the University and The FCC to move UD radio to FM in 1976. It has remained there ever since.

Pete is an example of a person who was inspired BY radio, and made a conscious decision to become involved and CREATE radio that was inspiring to others. He did this at WXDR and has continued to do so at other radio stops such as his long involvement with KUVO in Colorado.

As an early Program Director for the station, Pete left an indelible mark with the wide variety of genres that he welcomed to the air. Many of these live on in WVUD’s ‘Block Format’.

Pete also championed WXDR as part of UD’s ‘Marketplace of Ideas’ and promoted diversity and inclusion.

Decades later, these remain important parts of the WVUD mission and we acknowledge Pete’s role in making them part of our identity.

For close to four decades, Mark Ellis has been a part of the fabric of WVUD radio. Over that period of time, faces and names have come and gone, while Mark has remained one of the constants for the organization. Mark’s time at WVUD began before professional management was brought in and Mark served in important leadership positions and helped to keep the station vibrant during this time.

In the years since, Mark has held many positions at the station (including multiple roles on the Operations Board). He has served as a DJ for many diverse genres on the air and has helped to coordinate blocks such as Java Time along the way.

Mark has been an advocate and ambassador for WVUD, representing the station wherever he goes. He has also been someone who is not afraid to voice an opinion if he thinks that it can benefit the station. Mark’s devotion to WVUD is noteworthy and we welcome him into our Hall of Fame.

Brian Smith is a UD grad that truly used WVUD as a way to prepare for a successful career in broadcasting. Brian was part of the incredible influx of hockey broadcast talent that WVUD housed in the late 90s to early 2000s. During this time, Brian was a standout play by play performer, bringing countless hockey broadcasts (including the National Tournament) to WVUD listeners.

In the years following his graduation, Brian’s broadcast and media relations resume became stacked with teams and stations from around the country. Whether it was the News Journal, WDEL, WTOP, or his current position with the Philadelphia Flyers, Brian’s talents have been on prominent display. This is never more evident than in Brian’s occasional television/radio work for the Flyers organization.

Brian continues to support WVUD and is always willing to talk to or assist an aspiring sports announcer. Brian is one of the most
successful student members ever at WVUD and we are proud to have him in our Hall of Fame.

Pete Booker arrived at UD radio during its WHEN-AM days and it is highly possible that the station would have stayed planted on the AM dial without his efforts. While Pete was an able and versatile DJ and sports announcer, it was his management traits that enabled WHEN/WDRB to grow and expand from its East Hall basement roots to a 2 nd floor Perkins Student Center perch. Pete also helped to lay the groundwork for the move to FM.

While at UD, Pete was a leader in the formation of the ‘Winterim TV’ partnership with Rollins Cable. Upon leaving UD, Pete embarked on a successful career in broadcasting, including time in major markets before becoming the President and CEO of
Delmarva Broadcasting Company.

In addition to his ‘day job’, Pete and his wife, Sue, have been active in the business, arts, non-profit, public safety, and entertainment communities. Most notably, Pete founded the ‘Smart Drive’ new teen driver safety program. Even after more than 40 years, Pete has never forgotten his roots. He remains an active supporter of UD radio and continues to hire and mentor WVUD grads for positions at Delmarva Broadcasting.

Neal Payne’s creation of the ‘In A Mist’ program sprang from his love of 30’s and 40’s big band music. Neal set out to share this passion with WXDR listeners. Every Sunday night, he found a different way to spotlight the music and the performers, mixing in his own vast knowledge of the swing era and the music that defined it.

To the listeners, Neal was a beloved DJ, but to station members, he was something more. Neal was someone who enjoyed sharing his love of radio and music with his fellow DJs, be they young or old. Neal was a large part of the quirky culture of the station, and was especially known in house for his dry sense of humor and for his willingness to mentor new station members.

Neal is one of a select few to receive the WXDR Lifetime Achievement Award, and it is fitting that he has now been inducted into the WVUD Radio Hall of Fame.

For over three decades, Ron Smith has brought the blues to UD radio with his Red Hot and Blue show. Ron has been a Friday night
fixture, providing music and expertise on a genre that is a rarity on the radio. Over the years, Ron has seen and met many of the
greatest blues performers of all time. This has enabled him to provide a depth of knowledge that others cannot begin to approach.
Ron doesn’t just play the blues on the radio, he REALLY plays the blues. An expert musician, Ron has shared the stage with numerous luminaries in the blues community and his performances are always well received.

Locally, Ron has been an ardent supporter of the Town of Newark and the University of Delaware, and was a key member of the Town and Gown committee.

At WVUD, Ron is known as a great DJ, a talented musician, and a wonderful person. With his warm smile and pleasant demeanor, Ron continues to be a welcoming presence at the radio station.

~FROM THE DELAWARE DESTROYERS~

“Congratulations Ron! It’s a tremendous accomplishment and a blessing to be able to persevere for so many years. You and WVUD are to be commended for continuing to promote one of our country’s greatest art forms! It’s important (in our view anyway) so I hope you can continue to deliver “the message”! Carry on!!!”

David Alperson was a student member of WVUD from 1993-1997. For this four year period, nobody represented WVUD better than him. Dave’s WVUD career path highlights his diversity and his range of talents.

Dave started as a morning newscaster, moved to host his own overnight show before ultimately hosting Java Time. Along the way, Dave filled just about every niche imaginable at the radio station before eventually serving as Program Director and then General Manager.

Dave’s dedication to the radio station was never more evident than during the Blizzard of 1996. Dave walked through a foot of snow from his dorm to keep the station up and running during a time when no other station member could make it down.

In an era without computer automation, this was essential in keeping WVUD listeners entertained and informed throughout the storm.

Dave also went the extra mile in setting up in-depth election coverage and breaking important news stories to the audience.

Dave is still remembered for his interviews with Santa Claus as well as his numerous informative and entertaining promos and PSAs…many of which are still airing today.

Dave was an ambassador for WVUD while here, setting up frequent remotes around campus and the surrounding community to connect with our listeners.

Dave has also remained a strong ally for our organization long after his graduation.

Carl Goldstein arrived at WXDR in 1977 as the host of the Saturday morning “Fire on the Mountain” program. Carl was already established as an enthusiastic supporter of old time music, having founded the Brandywine Friends of Old Time Music group in 1971. Carl saw the WXDR (and later WVUD) program as an extension of his work in preserving this particular brand of music.

The partnership between Carl and WVUD has been a fruitful one for the station, the ‘Brandywine Friends’ and most importantly, the listeners that have benefited from exposure to this music.

Carl’s programs are well crafted and provide the listeners with access to performances and interviews by Bluegrass and Country legends that they cannot get anywhere else. Each show is a lesson of sorts, whether focusing on an artist, a genre, or even the annual tribute to Mom for Mother’s Day.

Almost secondary to his work in preserving this music is Carl’s legendary Radiothon prowess. Carl has taken fund raising to a new level at WVUD, consistently raising a great deal of money to help support the station. The process by which Carl is able to garner listener donations for our annual fundraiser serves as a model for all at WVUD.

‘Even’ Steven Leech has been a fixture at WVUD since 1984. Since then, Steven has distinguished himself as a well rounded source of
entertainment and information for WVUD listeners. Although primarily known for his Saturday morning ‘Boptime’ show, Steven’s reach goes far beyond just playing music from decades gone by. His ability to provide background information and a historical context for the selections that he chooses is unmatched. His knack for connecting much of this music to our local community is also noteworthy.

It is difficult to pigeonhole Steven. His interests are wide ranging, and therefore, so are the offerings that he brings to WVUD. In addition to his 50s and 60s expertise, Steven has also given the spotlight to local jazz, poetry (via Dreamstreets), and alternative literature through some of his program segments or summer/winter radio shows.

Steven spends many hours researching, writing, and creating the various components that make up his programs. He truly is a believer in the creative possibilities of radio. Additionally, Steven has served WVUD as Community Representative on three different occasions, striving to help connect our station to the community that surrounds it.

Bill was the host of the popular ‘Scratchy Grooves’ program on WXDR and WVUD from 1984-2002.

Initially meant to be a 6 week temporary program that featured old recordings from Bill’s collection (“scratches and all!”), Scratchy
Grooves continued on, and in perhaps the greatest testament to its creator, lasted well past Bill’s death in 2003. Additionally, old shows culled from Bill’s son’s tribute website were brought back to the airwaves in 2009.

Bill combined a vast knowledge of his musical subject matter with a warm, inviting voice, and a quirky sense of humor to become a beloved figure for many WXDR/WVUD listeners. His ability to share the joy of radio and music with his listeners was unparalleled.

WVUD hosts and listeners alike receive a healthy dose of Bill’s voice every day, oftentimes without even being aware of it. Dozens of station promos that Bill created have withstood the test of time and are still being happily played and listened to by people who were not around when Bill initially worked at the radio station.

Every story has a beginning and when it was decided that the University of Delaware needed a radio station, student Greer Firestone
was among those who made it happen. On a cold night in October 1968 at around 8 PM, the ten-watt carrier current WHEN-AM began broadcasting with the prophetic words “WHEN is Now!” spoken by the station’s co-founder and General Manager, Greer Firestone. Greer went on to quote Al Jolson, saying, “You ain’t heard nothin’ yet!” Little did he know at the time how true that statement would become. Decades later, the station that Greer helped put on the air is still thriving.

In post WHEN life, Greer became an influential part of the art and drama scene. Greer’s Broadway-style musical reviews, “Judy Garland: World’s Greatest Entertainer” and “Gershwin, by George” have become staples of regional theater, while locally, Greer Firestone has been recognized as a fierce advocate for the arts in Delaware, thanks to the columns, reviews and articles that have been featured in many prominent local publications.

Ron was a station member from 1974-1977. When University of Delaware radio went from carrier-current radio WDRB, to an on-air station with WXDR-FM, Ron Krauss was Station Manager. After two challenging years of lobbying, convincing, and working with student organizations and the University administration, WXDR-FM signed on the air on October 4, 1976. Ron was instrumental in
making it happen.

Ron drew upon his experiences as a radio engineer and programming host at Mount Pleasant High School in North Wilmington. He was part of a group, who in 1971 started WMPH, Delaware’s first FM station operated by high school students. It was an experience that helped Ron organize the effort to get WXDR off the ground with a shoestring budget, while still producing a top notch, clean and dependable 10-watt FM signal that could be heard all the way north to his former high school.

Ron brought a culture and style to UD radio that made eclectic programming at WXDR possible. It was a style filled not with just
intelligence and street-smart savvy, but with compassion to compliment an unending sense of mission for the young station; a mission to educate, enlighten, and entertain. The continued programming variety heard over WVUD can be traced back to Ron’s tenure at WDRB/WXDR.

Tom Mees developed his love of broadcasting as a part of WHEN from 1968-1972. Tom was the Sports Director and chief play-by-play voice for student led sports broadcasts. This included calling the action for basketball, football, and baseball. While usually associated with sports, Tom also did music programming on the radio station under the ‘CW’ moniker (due to his uncanny resemblance to a character from the Bonnie and Clyde film).

Although he would leave the University at graduation, Tom was not done with Delaware sports. He would serve as part of the  ommercial play-by-play tandem for UD sports while at WILM.

In the late 70s, Tom would make his way to Bristol, Connecticut as part of the early staff of ESPN. At ESPN, Tom would serve as one of their primary sports anchors. Later in his tenure, he would become strongly associated with NHL and NCAA hockey, lending his play-by-play acumen to both. Although you could take Tom out of Delaware, you could not take the Blue Hen out of Tom. He would frequently mention his Alma Mater on the air, always with an air of pride and respect. It was highly appropriate that when the Delaware basketball team won the 1992 North Atlantic Conference title to advance to their first NCAA tournament, Tom was at the Field House to help make the call for ESPN.

Described by people who worked with him as; talented, dedicated, and a perfectionist at his craft, Tom is also a member of the Delaware Sports Museum Hall of Fame. Tom epitomized Blue Hen spirit and was a great friend, husband, and father.

Chuck served WXDR and WVUD from 1985-2008 as the professional Station Manager and ultimately as the Assistant Director of Student Centers. Chuck arrived at the University of Delaware by way of Boston University and Northeastern University and promptly made an indelible mark on University of Delaware radio.

Multi-talented in nearly every aspect of communications, Chuck was a tireless advocate of how powerful community radio could be.
Chuck took the FCC charge of operating in the public interest very seriously. He was always looking for ways that WXDR/WVUD could be of service to the community.

As a teacher and trainer, Chuck was a patient, positive influence on many students who went on to successful careers in the industry.
It didn’t matter whether this instruction occurred in one of his Radio Production classes that he taught, or in normal day to day interactions within the station.

Chuck was more than just a station manager. He was the heart and soul of WVUD for almost a quarter of a century, guiding a station comprised of students and community volunteers along a path of excellence.