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Airing memories

Your story on WOUB’s 75-year journey (“Making (Air)waves,” spring 2025) sparked some memories. The station was only nine years old when it was the subject of a two-page picture spread in the 1958 Athena yearbook. I was a photojournalism major and the Athena photo editor, so I assigned myself to shoot this juicy story to spice up the advertising section. (We wanted to entice readers to thumb through that supportive section of the yearbook that’s often overlooked by readers.)

The WOUB broadcasting equipment in 1958 was probably not digital, and “TV” was not much more than a couple of capital consonants. But the attitude of the students in 1958 was just as professional and intense as it is today. Technology may have advanced, but OHIO students’ ardor and dedication to professionalism was evident back then, too. —John Alter, BFA ’58

I was a professional staff member at WOUB-TV during a most interesting era: mid-to-late 1960s. Our slogan was similar then: “A professionally staffed, student-operated broadcast station.” I was a communications specialist who also did several live-on-camera gigs to intro entertainment programming from NET (National Educational Television). We were thorough and tough pathfinders; PBS was in the future.

I thought someone may be eager to research coverage of one of the two most prominent news stories of that era: The Silver Bridge Disaster in West Virginia. I don’t recall the details, but our coverage of the event on film was the first to reach Europe. We were very proud of that!

Best wishes for your coverage of the amazing and unique Southeast Ģ����Ƶ, a now more respected and more prominent area of Appalachia. Long-term poverty, native arts and crafts creatives, and distinctive folkways and pathways do not have to remain in the shadows. Congrats all around! —D. Lyndol Michael, MA ’70

Bobcat blast from the past

Your article, “100 Years of Bobcats” (spring 2025), omitted the name of the first Bobkitten. She was Francesca (Femia) Hahn, BSC ’69, for the Bobkitten’s first two years. I interviewed her for my book, “Mascot, Minister, Man of Steel: The Final Reunion,” in 2010; she now resides in Florida. —Mike Johnson, BSJ ’67

I liked the silly face Rufus had when I was there, 1973-1977. —Isabel (Rosenfeld) Parks, AB ’77, via Facebook

The original Bobcat costume was bought and paid for by my dormitory, Lincoln Hall, and worn by a student from my dorm. Proud heritage being a Bobcat for life. —Joe Shafer, BSED ’70, via Facebook 

Recollections of The Ridges

Thanks for all your great work spotlighting the ephemera of the OHIO community! My family made great memories while I was a student, including hiking often at The Ridges. My mom, Sandy Myers, recently completed her painting of an enchanted Ridges at Halloween. [See right.] The eerie architecture and ghosts in the painting evoke the mythology The Ridges are known for, while its critters and pumpkins give the artwork a humorous feel. The piece is a salute to haunted Appalachia, the good spirits legendary to its valleys, and the lifelong zest for creativity that Athens energizes in all who experience it.

Fun fact: Mom was born Oct. 25, 1957—only five days after President Lori Stewart Gonzalez! We sent her a copy of the painting and shared how close their birthdays are. —Christopher Myers, BA ’12

Times gone by

I enjoy reading about the University in the magazine—the past events, the future growth, and the people who make them happen. I found “The Libraries’ Legacy” in the spring 2025 issue very interesting. It indicated that Chubb Library was open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. most days. I worked there as a student, and it was open until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. I shall continue to look forward to my copy of OHIO Today Magazine. It is always great to read about the events happening at OHIO and how the University is impacting the future of the world. —Dorothy (Limerick) Bailey, BSED ’57

Spent many hours either studying or working at Alden Library. I used to work at Government Documents, fifth floor, on Saturday and Sunday. Really miss this place. —Lorai “Lawrence” Jungan, BBA ’85, MA ’88, via Facebook

Proud to be a library assistant for the Southeast Asia Collection at Alden, 2003-2007. —Rudi Sukandar, MA ’03, PHD ’07, via Facebook

Warm welcome

The dynamic duo (“Roll Out the Welcome Mat,” spring 2025) in action! Continuing to do great things for our beloved alma mater— raising the bar and making us all proud. —Bill Kent, AB ’80 and Board of Trustees member, via Facebook

WRITE TO US: OHIO Today Magazine welcomes comments from readers. We reserve the right to edit for grammar, space, clarity and civility. Send letters by email to ohiotoday@ohio.edu or by mail to OHIO Today Magazine, Ģ����Ƶ University, P.O. Box 869, Athens, OH 45701-0869. We regret that we cannot publish all messages received in print or online.

Featured image:  The Marching 110 Alumni Band hit the bricks at Homecoming 2024. Photo by Eli Burris, BSJ ’16