William Paterson Students Visit White House to Discuss College Radio, Campus Topics and College Affordability —Professor Rob Quicke accompanies group to DC; they received letter from President Obama wishing them a successful College Radio Day 2015 Three William Paterson students, Eric Dargis, Michelle Martinez and Joel Carasquillo, who work for the University’s campus radio station WP 88.7 FM, and Rob Quicke, associate professor of communication and general manager of the station, visited the White House on Thursday, September 24. The students interviewed presidential officials about campus topics, the important role of college radio, and College Radio Day on October 2. The group met with Valerie Jarrett, senior advisor to the president, and Kyle Lierman, associate director of public engagement and senior policy advisor, to discuss, on-the-record, the government’s “It’s On Us” Campaign to End Campus Sexual Assault. They also met with Cecelia Munoz, assistant to the president and director of the Domestic Policy Council, and James Kvaal, deputy director of the White House Domestic Policy Council,to discuss the topic of college affordability. According to Quicke, their visit included a tour of the West Wing and a photo session in the Press Briefing Room with Josh Earnest, assistant to the president and press secretary. This was followed by a lively discussion in the Roosevelt Room on the role of the media, and the importance of student media and college radio. At the conclusion of their visit, Quick was presented with a letter from President Obama wishing them a successful College Radio Day 2015. The presentation from Obama stated: “By keeping the legacy of college radio stations alive and strong, students on campuses from coast to coast experience the thrills of sharing and discovering media and creating stimulating programming. In doing so, they are lending their talents to a tradition that has been unfolding for generations and inspiring others to join in the work of shaping our future’s course.” “This was a very memorable visit indeed -- and I can report that it was a resounding success,” says Quicke.
