After Kevin and I sat in on HIST 197- History of Penn State the other day, we stopped by Pattee/Paterno Library to see the new “Student Broadcasting” historical marker in person. It was my first time seeing it in person, and I shot this short video to give a sense of perspective as students walked along Pattee Mall in between classes:

Afterwards Kevin and I visited 304 Sparks nearby and I took the photos below as we visited the site of WDFM’s old headquarters from the 1950s through the 1980s. WDFM was the second major incarnation of student broadcasting and the one most alums remember, though that will change in the next decade as many of those alums pass from the scene and younger generations from The LION 90.7fm become engaged in supporting students. At 304 Sparks we met two women who now call those offices home: Dr. Deryn Verity and Dr. Sharon Childs. They were both delightful to talk with and to introduce to the history of their spaces.

Finally we stopped by The LION 90.7fm’s home in the HUB-Robeson Center, and visited with Ross Michael, the station’s vice president of operations. Unfortunately, we learned that the students had lost half of their Penn State home football game broadcasting credentials, because they haven’t been active in utilizing them for the past two years, particularly in participating in press conferences or media availabilities.

Showing up and living up to the mission of public service is important.