Greetings Broadcasters!

The smell of Dinosaur BBQ, the sound of snow crunching as you walk down M Street, the laughter of friends, and the hits playing on Z89!  That’s part of the experience of Banquet Weekend!  I’m sure you share my enthusiasm for April 1-3, 2016.  Before we convene in Syracuse to catch up with old friends and make new ones, induct our next WJPZ Hall of Fame Class, listen to a funny monologue from Steve Donovan, award another Lock Scholarship, hear Dr. Wright’s captivating and (financially) rewarding account of WJPZ’s history, be inspired by a fabulous keynote address from Erica Farber, and have an all-around fantastic weekend, I’d like to share some news from the WJPZ AlumniAssociation Board of Directors.

In addition to preparing for a memorable Banquet and Friday Conference, and getting ready to unveil a new alumni association web site, the Board has been hard at work making plans for the 2016-17 term.  Part of that planning includes setting up our Board structure and officers for the following year. We’ve been fortunate to attract new board members, while retaining many long-serving members, too.  The natural evolution of the board means, however, two board members are stepping down.

Please join me in thanking TJ Basalla (’06) and Jeff Kaczmarczyk (’06) for their tireless work, humor, insight, and perspective to elevate our Association. Their contributions have been numerous, but more importantly to me, they’ve become even better friends through their service.  They will be missed!

I’d also like to announce that I’m stepping down as President.  It’s been a privilege and an honor to serve.  I’ve especially enjoyed getting to know alumni, working with our board, and interacting with, teaching, and learning from the students. I’m incredibly excited about our progress and some initiatives to come.  I can’t thank you enough for this experience.  We’re so fortunate to have a strong group who has such passion for our Association. I’d also like to offer a special word of thanks to the many alumni whose support, feedback, and guidance has been invaluable over the years.

On February 29, the Board met to elect our slate of officers for 2016-17. I’m elated to announce that Kevin Rich (’07) will once again serve as theAssociation’s Treasurer/CFO and Dena Giacobbe (’99) will lead our organization as President/CEO. I’m delighted to have been elected to continue serving on the board as its Secretary/COO.

I know with Dena at the helm, she will take our Association to new levels.  Her wit, perspective, and no nonsense style will lead us well.  Dena is extraordinarily passionate about giving back to the station and her experience in education and recruiting will serve students and alumnialike.  Please be sure to congratulate her Banquet weekend.

Thank you once again for your support in helping to make the WJPZ AlumniAssociation the most active college radio station alumni group anywhere in the country. We truly are one-of-a-kind, and I can’t wait to see you in Syracuse.

All the best,

Josh Wolff