In 1999 I was hired as Radio Station Director of Burlington County College. At the time, playing music from a computer in a radio station was relatively new. And WBZC did not have that capacity. So it was in need of computers, software, and other equipment. But the college wasn't interested in spending more money. So I applied for an educational grant, a complicated process, and remarkably was awarded $100,000. Launching us into a renovation of our three studios.

Also since several of our DJ's faced physical challenges, including some in wheelchairs, the station upgrade included making adjustments in the furniture and flooring so people of all abilities could be comfortably included. The above ribbon cutting photo with the college president is the ceremonial culmination of it all.

On evenings and weekends community volunteers hosted specialty shows featuring Bluegrass, Jazz, Jam Bands and lots more. So I reached out to Michael Tearson and invited him to take an air shift. Which added a top notch air talent to our line-up. And gave listeners a chance to hear some of the content he was developing for shows he currently hosts on SiriusXM and Radio That Doesn't Suck.

Meanwhile the training program for college students was held on weekdays where we established a Rock-based format that mixed in many other genres including Blues, Reggae, Hip Hop and more. Also because of the adventurous nature of the music mix, we changed the station's slogan from "WBZC A Voice For Burlington County" to "Z88.9 The Music Revolution Starts Here." Consequently all of the above action steps dramatically increased the station's listenership.

Additionally, each May the college hosted a campus-wide outdoor festival with arts and crafts, food vendors, and activities for kids. Our station supplied the music, setting up three stages where 15 bands performed live music of all kinds. Including local bands and national acts.

But the most rewarding part of my job was interacting with the college students. Many of whom sought me out to talk privately about something stressful in their life. I'd listen and offer some words of insight. And watch them leave my office feeling lighter than when they entered. Which propelled me to a career change that started with attending Naropa University in Colorado for a Master's Degree in Transpersonal Psychology ...