WPGU-FM was the first stop on a media journey that’s taken Emily West (BS ’00, broadcast journalism) to Clear Channel Chicago, Fox Atlanta and, these days New York’s WNBC-TV and 102.7 FM.
“I was a farm kid from southern Illinois, so heading to Champaign-Urbana was bright lights, big city to me. Looking back, what an experience. We were college kids running a commercial radio station. I’d go to class in the morning, then be a DJ every afternoon.
“We played the latest music, interviewed artists and had VIP access to concerts. I’ll never forget The Smashing Pumpkins’ secret show at the Canopy Club.
"When I graduated, I remember how hard it was to give up my job at WPGU, but was so grateful to the University of Illinois for opening so many doors and meeting many talented Illini."
