I’ve been a volunteer at WLUW since I was a freshman communications major 11 years ago, and I’ve seen the station go through a lot of changes over the years [“Picking Up Its Marbles” by Deanna Isaacs, July 27]. At each growing pain, Craig Kois, along with Shawn Campbell, pushed through and made WLUW a better place to learn, work, and listen.
Best of Chicago voting is live now. Vote for your favorites »
WLUW has become the only independent community radio station in Chicago, and one of the most successful in the country both in terms of listeners and programming as well as financial considerations. As media consolidation in American continues to increase, I believe that independent community-based outlets like WLUW will become even more important for listeners as well as for job-seekers. If there is an ideal place in Chicago for a college student to learn about radio, as well as gain practical hands on experience for a future career, it is WLUW.
I chose Loyola because it is a great place to get an education. But I loved Loyola because of Craig Kois. It was not until I met Craig that I truly understood Loyola’s Jesuit values of service for others, social justice, and community engagement. No where else in my education at Loyola were Loyola’s Jesuit values more apparent than in Craig Kois and WLUW, and when I think of my college experience, that is what I remember. Craig modeled these values in class, pushing us to think critically, listen to opposing viewpoints, strive always for professionalism in our work, and find ways to make our work meaningful . . . and maybe even change the world. Outside of class, Craig was always ready to lend an ear, provide candy from his dish, and give you either the hug or tough talk you needed. Compassionate, kind, and intelligent, no one exemplifies what Loyolans should aspire to more than Craig. My experiences as a student of Craig’s impacted not only my educational and career aspirations, but also deeply impacted my Catholic faith and changed the way I live my life.
