Adelphi Celebrates WBAU Radio Alumni at Spirit Weekend Reunion
Garden City, NY (09/22/2025) — Before podcasts and playlists, there was WALI/WBAU-Adelphi University's beloved radio station that shaped voices, launched dreams and brought Adelphi's campus community together through sound. On Saturday, October 4, Adelphi will welcome back its WALI/WBAU alumni for a lecture and reunion celebration.The event is part of Adelphi's annual Spirit Weekend festivities.
Attendees will experience "In the Classroom with WALI/WBAU: Celebrating our Legacy and Impact," featuring a conversation with Katherine Rye Jewell, author of "Live from the Underground: A History of College Radio," as well as Adelphi Professor Scott Litroff and music producer Bill Stephney. Following the discussion, the group will enjoy a reunion.
WBAU, originally WALI, was a pioneering platform that introduced listeners to future icons like Public Enemy's Chuck D and Flavor Flav, and sportscaster Al Trautwig. The station's influence extended beyond campus, shaping the early hip-hop scene and providing a launchpad for numerous media careers.
This event will be held at Adelphi's Performing Arts Center (PAC) at 1:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.
About Adelphi: A modern metropolitan university with a personalized approach to higher learning
Adelphi University, New York, is a highly awarded, nationally ranked, powerfully connected doctoral research university dedicated to transforming students' lives through small classes with world-class faculty, hands-on learning and innovative ways to support academic and career success. U.S. News & World Report named Adelphi a 2025 Best College, Best Value College, and Top Performer in Social Mobility. In addition, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes and the Wall Street Journal/ America's Top Colleges all ranked Adelphi the top private university on Long Island.
Adelphi serves more than 7,600 students at its beautiful main campus in Garden City, New York-just 23 miles from New York City's cultural and internship opportunities-and at dynamic learning hubs in Manhattan, the Hudson Valley and Suffolk County, as well as online.
More than 121,000 Adelphi graduates have gained the skills to thrive professionally as active, engaged citizens, making their mark on the University, their communities and the world.
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A group of Adelphi WBAU alumni at a gathering in the 1970s.
Adelphi University / New York
Taylor Damian, 516-877-4040, tdamian@adelphi.eduShare this Story
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