SLU TV had its homecoming Tuesday, welcoming the University community into its new studio in the Busch Student Center.
This marked the latest in a series of three locations for SLU TV’s studio in the past two years. SLU TV had previously occupied closet space behind KSLU’s studio in the BSC and space in the basement of Clemens Hall, behind Terra Ve.
Many of the student leaders who bring SLU TV to the airwaves were on hand for the event, along with several University administrators and faculty members who had a hand in SLU TV’s development over the past three years.
The open house, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, offered visitors the chance to tour SLU TV’s spacious new abode: Suite 247-located within the Student Organization Suite-which includes storage space, a control room, an editing suite and a set for the network’s news program, SLU News 22.
Patrick Wessel, SLU TV’s newly elected president, was excited for the organization’s future in the expanded studio, which he said offers “a whole lot more usability” than its previous locales.
He plans to continue with the network’s film festival, SLU72, which he dubbed a “smashing success,” as well as exploring the possibility of regular live programming.
In order to do that, the organization will have to raise $37,000 to purchase a “switcher,” which would facilitate the process of live broadcasting.
Wessel indicated that the network is already well on its way to its goal: $34,000 has already been pooled, leaving a balance of $3,000.
Kathleen Farrell, the head of the Department of Communication, who has helped students within the SLU TV organization receive class credit for their efforts, was enthusiastic about SLU TV’s new facility.
“I think it’s great; a first-class university needs a first-class television station,” she said.
In a speech before the ribbon-cutting, Andrew Clifton, who had served as SLU TV president for more than two years, reflected on the growth of the program throughout his term: “[When we started this program], we were in a closet . We had one computer and one camera.” Clifton proceeded to thank a litany of supporters who helped the organization develop into a full-fledged network, including the current executive board, SGA President Evan Krauss and adviser Chris Grabau.
Clifton devoted special time to acknowledging the contributions of communication professor Gary Seibert, S.J., and local television personality Mike Roberts. He said that Seibert and Roberts were instrumental in the development of the network’s news program.
Roberts said that he thinks the new studio is “just the beginning.” He echoed others’ goals for more live programming, and credited the organization’s success to the participation of dedicated student leaders, calling them “humble servants.”
“I’m just so pleased by the efforts of people like [Executive Producer] John Castelli, Andrew Clifton and Patrick Wessel. They have all of the qualities of fine young Jesuits,” he said.
Krauss, who helped to draft the resolution that secured SLU TV’s new spot in the heart of campus, called the event “incredibly uplifting.” He also cited the “crucial” cooperation of students and faculty as a prime factor in SLU TV’s success. “I’m more excited for what this station is going to do . [to] enhance campus media and make campus life more vibrant,” he said.
