On April 2, the University of New Haven’s radio station, WNHU 88.7 FM, held the grand opening of their new facility on 46 Ruden St.

The radio station relocated to Ruden St. in October 2014, after being located in the basement of Maxcy Hall since 1985. The studios were completely finished at the beginning of March.

The grand opening took place outside of the WNHU studios. Dignitaries who were in attendance included President Dr. Steven Kaplan; Dr. Lourdes Alvarez, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Steve Raucher, Communication, Film and Media Studies Department head; Bryan Lane, general manager of WNHU; and Freddie Coleman, host of ESPN’s The Freddie Coleman Show. Students, faculty, administration, community volunteers and alumni of WNHU were also in attendance to tour the new facility. Attendees enjoyed speeches given by the dignitaries about WNHU and what it means to our campus.

“It’s very special to us as a university because it embodies who we are and what we value,” President Kaplan said.

WNHU now has four brand new studios with state-of-the-art equipment for students, faculty and community volunteers to utilize and create quality programming for their listeners.

“We’re thrilled to be at a new location up here on the hill…it gives visibility,” President Kaplan expressed. “You’ve got your eyes on us, we’ve got our eyes on you. We know the whole community listens.”

Throughout the day, UNH’s Fire Science Club provided a barbeque lunch and student took over the WNHU and Charger Radio airwaves to showcase their talents and the variety of shows the radio station offers.
Cassie Washington, who works at WNHU as the web director, said she loved having people packing the studios throughout the day.

“They would come into the studio, check out my show and hang out. We had a great time,” Washington said.

Overall, WNHU’s grand opening showcased the very best of what the radio station has to offer and reminded the entire campus community that they are an important part of what UNH stands for.

“Not only is WNHU a vital part of this community, it is a valuable outlet for experiential learning rarely offered at other institutions of our size,” said Stephen Shepherd, promotions director at WNHU. “The speakers really hit some of the core aspects of WNHU and Charger Radio. I look forward to our bright future on and off campus.”

Next up, WNHU will host their “monumental” music and electronics on Saturday April 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the BSAC.