Campus radio station to host end of year bash

Despite taking budget hits, the campus radio station, 88.7 FM WRFW, will be hosting its annual "Can't Stop the Music" event on May 4 in the University Center with plans to make it one of the biggest ever in organization history.

"Can't Stop the Music" is an event held by the radio station every year, and it is a celebration of all of the hard work everyone has put into the station throughout the year. Student chair and social media director for WRFW, Ryan Tibbitts, said this is a big event for everyone at the radio station.

"This is our big event every year. It's a good way to celebrate the work our DJ's have put in all year and say goodbye to the seniors who are graduating this May or next December,” Tibbitts said.

Tibbitts said that WRFW is in the works of giving away a grand prize that will be a $150 value, and that some shows already have close to 100 people planning on attending in the Falls Room the day of the event.

Tibbitts, a senior, has been involved with the radio station since his freshman year, working in the athletics department and eventually having his own show, "Study Break," with two of his friends, which has gained a large following since it started over two years ago.

A lot of planning has gone into setting up the event. Tibbitts has been working alongside the promotions director of the radio station, Drew Moldenhauer, since January to get everything lined up.

After securing the location in the University Center, the two went around town to collect any types of donations they could from local businesses to help make this event even more special.

“This event could not happen without the generosity of the UWRF community,” Tibbitts said.

The two received items from local businesses such as gift-cards, sweatshirts, certificates and even meet and greets for Gloriana, who will be performing at Finals Fest. "Can't Stop the Music" will also be featuring live DJ's, one hour at a time, starting at 1 p.m. and going until 10 p.m., which is a way for the DJ's to interact with all of their fans and get the UWRF students involved.

"Can't Stop the Music" is coming at an important time for the station as they are currently in the battle with Student Senate regarding the recent budget cuts for the station.

WRFW has costs similar to other radio stations, but have not had a budget of professional radio stations in years. Starting in the fall of 2015, the radio station will be running on its lowest budget to date. Tibbitts doesn't want the budget or the situation with Senate to deter from the event.

"This upcoming year, the station will be working with the lowest budget ever,” Tibbitts said. “This event is important to us to show people what the radio station is all about. We want to show people we are staying positive and will continue to operate with whatever budget we have.”

"Can't Stop the Music" will also be the last time that Tibbitts' show hits the airwaves and he wants to go out with a bang and make a memory that he won't ever forget.

"To pack the Falls Room with all my best friends and people who have been on the show along with my two co-hosts, Blake Johnson and John Peake, will be something I won't ever forget,” Tibbitts said. “I'm sure tears will be shed.”