Every year since 2009, WVUD(FM), the “voice of the University of Delaware,” has honored key contributors to the station’s history, by inducting them into the WVUD Hall of Fame.
This year’s illustrious inductees are J. Michael Foster, Scott Ohlmacher and David Mackenzie, who were chosen by a committee of 12 members, alumni and staff. The induction is scheduled for Wednesday, starting at 7 p.m.
In a time when many radio stations were slashing their jazz and classical programming, J. Michael Foster (shown top right), a professional music librarian, helped organize the station’s jazz and classical departments, finding fresh on-air talent. He’s still a volunteer at the station. With his frequent on-air shifts, vast knowledge of music and smooth vocal delivery, Foster is known simply as “the voice” by many WVUD listeners.
Scott Ohlmacher (shown in picture at right, second from left — with University of Delaware President Patrick Harker, Ohlmacher, WVUD Program Director Mike Nigro and WVUD Business Manager Adam Moskowitz)
Scott Ohlmacher (shown right) started out as a student member of WVUD, from 2005–2009, during a time of tremendous change and growth at the station. As general manager, Ohlmacher led what were considered overdue overhauls of the WVUD constitution and bylaws, helped see through a transitional period between the departure of a longtime station manager and the hiring of a new one. He also pushed for more student involvement in the governance of the station.
During Ohlmacher’s tenure at WVUD, the station also hosted the most successful Radiothon concert in the station’s history.
Delaware alumnus David Mackenzie (shown right) first served the station as a tech-savvy student and then came back later as a full-fledged professional broadcast engineer. Mackenzie was the main force behind the station’s move to 6.8 kW and the addition of HD radio.
In addition to his engineering expertise, Mackenzie is thought of as a skilled and patient teacher. Indeed, most members of WVUD have become studio-proficient thanks to him.
Wednesday’s ceremony will be a low-key affair with inductees receiving a plaque on the Hall of Fame wall, as well as a keepsake microphone statue with his or her name and Hall of Fame year engraved on it.
