On Nov. 9 through Nov. 11, Lindenwood University radio station, KCLC, celebrated its diamond anniversary, 75 years on the air.
The university had keynote speaker Robin Smith, as well as alumni Alex Ferrario, Ethan Hannaford, and David Amelotti on the first day of the celebration to speak about their experiences with the radio station and field questions from the crowd of students and alumni. The group also discussed the formation of the station’s new HD3 radio format.
“This is a very nurturing environment where you can think outside the box,” Smith said. “Where you can live outside the box, where you can learn and at the same time enjoy real rich life experiences,”
Also celebrated on the first day was the donation of artwork by artist Cbabi Bayoc, which is now hung in the lobby of the KCLC station. Bayoc was present to speak on the meaning of his piece, entitled Elle Mae, and how his relationship with Lindenwood came about, as well as take questions of his own about his painting process.
“I find that the process is the gift,” Bayoc said of his paintings. “Not the finished painting, not the next job, but actually doing them,”
On the second day of the celebration, the station recorded a time capsule podcast with alumni about their experiences on air, as well as the oral history of the station. Local radio personality Randy Karraker, and TV personality Greg Amsinger visited the studio for this recording, as well as Amelotti, who returned for a second day.
“KCLC is a broadcast machine that the industry recognizes and all I want to do is create more awareness for young people who want to impact the industry,” Amsinger said. “I fell in love with a very long time ago,”
That evening, a KCLC alumni reunion was held at the Shamrock Bar and Grill, allowing former radio personalities from all eras to gather and celebrate the 75th anniversary of the station.
The Cbabi Bayoc painting Elle Mae can be found at the main entrance of the KCLC station, as well as a plaque wall celebrating all notable alumni who have spent time on air at Lindenwood.
