February 28, 2025
WXOU (88.3 FM), Oakland University’s campus radio station, provides an important voice for students and the surrounding community while offering a unique opportunity to learn about college radio, become involved in the operation of a student station, and make a distinctive contribution to what is done “behind the scenes” and “on-the air.”
“The thing that I enjoy the most about WXOU is the people I’ve been able to meet here,” said Maya Kirksey, WXOU program director. “Through the radio station, I’ve met all of my friends. It’s an excellent way to get involved. Not only does it allow you to meet new people, but it also allows you to understand how student organizations on campus operate. It also teaches you to broadcast without having to have experience.”
Kirksey, a studio art K-12 major, joined WXOU as a volunteer in 2023 after transferring to Oakland University from Columbia College Chicago. Her parents, who are both OU alumni, encouraged her to do so after she expressed interest in getting involved on campus.
“My dad was like ‘Why don’t you join WXOU? They’ve been around forever,’” she said. “So, I took the initiative and filled out the ‘Join WXOU’ form and was volunteering within a week.”
While volunteering, Kirksey began recording a podcast and learned as much as she could about how things worked at the radio station.
“After a couple of months, I was told there were staff positions open to volunteers, so I applied to be the news director,” she said. “As the news director, I reinstated the News Team at WXOU, and published a weekly zine dubbed ‘The Weekly Update.’ I also learned all about broadcasting and was able to connect with local radio stations and news stations through WXOU alumni and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation.”
She held the position of news director until March 2024, when she was elected to be the program director at WXOU.
“As the program director, I’m in charge of all the radio shows and DJs that are on the air,” she said. “I’m also in charge of new volunteer onboarding.”
Volunteers are the heart of WXOU, said Logan Pizzurro, the station’s general manager.
“We’re 100% student run, and our volunteers are a big part of that,” he said.
Pizzurro, a computer science major, joined WXOU in 2021 as the station’s music director after gaining experience in broadcasting as part of WAHS (89.5 FM) at Avondale High School in Auburn Hills.
“One of the things that brought me here (to OU) was the radio station,” he said. “It was a big part of my decision.”
As the WXOU’s music director, Pizzurro helped create the sound of the station, which also involved contacting concert venues for things like ticket giveaways or providing coverage of a show.
“It was a versatile position in many aspects that involved a lot of communication,” he said.
In 2022, he was promoted to the station’s general manager position.
“Basically, I deal with the budget and make sure everything we do is legal,” he said. “I also make sure that everyone works together, and that we’re all on the same page.”
Some of his fondest memories of working at WXOU are related to the events the station hosts or participates in each year, including Black History Night, Alt Night, 80s Night, and the Birthday Bash.
“I think we’ve thrown some pretty good ones,” he said. “They can be stressful, but that stress pays off. I’m also very happy about the number of shows we have on this year (25), and I’m really proud of how many new volunteers we have this year.”
Volunteering at the station is easy, just visit http://www.wxou.org/join and fill out the Google form.
“You do not need broadcast experience to join WXOU,” Kirksey said. “Anyone can start a radio show, podcast, or write for our news team. We’re here to teach you the cool stuff.”
After graduation, Kirksey hopes to pursue a career teaching art to elementary or middle school students. Pizzurro, who is also minoring in French, isn’t sure where life will take him, but he’s grateful for the experience he’s gained at WXOU.
“While radio isn’t my educational focus, I feel like I have a lot of experience that could be useful in other areas, and I think a lot of companies are switching more from a focus on education to experience when it comes to hiring,” he said.
Joining Kirksey and Pizzurro at WXOU are Matt Weed, news director; Aidan White, music director; Hailey Chisholm, graphic designer, Eli Sepulveda, assistant program director; Gavin Smilowski, sports director; Andrew Deacon, event coordinator; Joey Hayes, promotions director; and Kalistiné Louca, PSA director.
To learn more, visit http://www.wxou.org.