WERS 88.9 fm - WERS Hall of Fame 2009

The Inaugural WERS Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony started like many other events during a busy Alumni Weekend at Emerson College, however it soon turned into a one of a kind experience.  The room was filled with members of WERS, past and present, who wanted to honor the first group of inductees who helped shape WERS in many different ways over the years.

The first inductee started it all back in 1949 with spare military equipment and the first non-commercial FM license.  The late Professor Charles Dudley helped the station hit the ground running, forming an organization that has become the one of the top college radio stations in the country 60 years later.  His family described how much the station meant to him and how much he loved teaching his students through such a unique medium.

The next inductee helped bring WERS into the modern era.  As General Manager, Fran Berger helped with the creation of beloved shows like Rockers, 88.9 @ Night, Standing Room Only, and All A Cappella.  She created an atmosphere that instructed the staff how a professional radio station should be run.  Her students in return brought an energy to WERS that she couldn’t describe in words.  Her influence cannot be overstated as her former students gave no less than three standing ovations during her acceptance speech and later flocked to speak with her after the ceremony.


When Cherry Martinez started at WERS, she didn’t think she could make the on-air staff even with some professional radio already on her resume.  Although she hit some rough patches early on, her hard work paid off and she became one of the most impressive alumni of the station.  Even with her success as an evening on-air host in New York City, she could barely hold back the tears as she described her fond memories of WERS, expressing gratitude to everyone who helped her achieve her goals.

The final inductee could be described as a “behind-the-scenes” sort of person.  Jeff Greenhawt became involved with WERS as a student but couldn’t seem to leave once he graduated.  Although he went on to a successful career in the radio business, he never truly left the station behind as he joined the WERS Advisory Committee and helped wherever he could.  He shows how once a person joins the WERS family, he or she remains a member of the family for life.

Throughout the Hall of Fame Ceremony a sense of pride filled the room.  The first group of Hall of Fame Inductees spanned many different periods in the station’s history and truly defines what being a part of the WERS family really means.  The student staff today continues to benefit from the contributions of the alumni who came before them.  The coming years are sure to see more successful Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremonies recognizing the people who exemplify what it means to be a part of the WERS tradition.

--Jeffrey Penfield