Remembering My College Radio Station – 40 Years Later

Recently, a college buddy and I were invited to a 40th anniversary celebration of our college radio station at Corning Community College - WCEB-FM.
It's been 38 years since I last stepped foot on the campus.
At first, I wasn't planning on attending since it was in the middle of the week, but thought more about it (a good excuse to skip work for a day) and decided it would be fun to see how the radio station and the campus had changed.

As soon as we arrived at Corning Community College, memories started rushing back.
Most of the campus was the same as I remembered, although it now has dorms (many community colleges are building dorms, including Broome Community College) and there were a few construction projects going on.

I learned that the college radio station is located in the basement of the student "Commons" building.
When I was a student, it had been located in an old trailer behind that building.
That area is now occupied by an addition to the Commons, so it was a bit sad to see, but really, can you imagine a trailer lasting well over 40 years?
OK, maybe you've seen a few, but this one would not have survived that long.

As we entered the Commons building where the get together was to be held, it felt as if I'd never left.
We were quickly greeted by the radio station's student General manager, Gladys, and her staff, who were all very welcoming to us 'old fogies.'
Yea, I did feel old, surrounded by mostly 20-something students.
But it was kind of cool being recognized as one of the original staff members who were there at the beginning days of the radio station, 40 years earlier.

We mingled, listened to stories, and toured the radio station, which is always fun for me.
That's the 'geek' part of my life - visiting radio station studios and transmitters.
As we headed downstairs to the studios, it felt like I'd stepped into a time machine.
I remembered every inch of the building that were my friend and I had spent most of our years as students at C.C.C.

It turned out to be a great day for the both of us, and hopefully all the other alumni who attended.
For us, it was two old timers reliving our college days, and the radio station that basically started our radio career.

I'd like to thank Gladys and her staff for a fun time, and helping to bring back great memories of my college years and the radio station we helped to put on the air!
It's great to know that after 40 years, WCEB is still there, teaching students the radio business, and entertaining the campus and surrounding community.

For anyone who attends C.C.C. or will in the future, check out the campus radio station, become part of the group, and learn about the world of radio!