After a hurricane damaged WRIU’s 400-foot broadcast tower in September 2021, the University of Rhode Island’s student-run radio station has sought funding for its replacement.
The tower, expected to be repaired by January 2025, has faced setbacks due to extreme weather conditions and safety concerns, according to Mathew Delaire, RhodyNow assistant director and member of the URI Alumni Foundation & Alumni Engagement.
Repair costs for the WRIU tower increased from an initial estimate of $1.1 million to $1.55 million, according to student senate Director of Treasury Nicholas Cronan. This was because of higher repair estimates. To assure the completion of the project, the highest estimate had to be considered, according to Cronan.
Although the majority of money came from the student senate, members of the URI community also contributed to the funds, according to Delaire.
The alumni foundation launched the RhodyNow charitable fund in 2021 as a partnership between the foundation and WRIU, according to Delaire. The fund contributes to the radio station’s operational costs like studio equipment.
The student senate approved an initial grant of $300,000 and a $500,000 interest-free loan, according to Delaire. The RhodyNow fund aids in these annual loan payments. However, as costs escalated, an additional $350,000 was needed.
The alumni foundation funds are part of a student senate savings account, according to Cronan. The money is used in emergency situations. If the funds are not needed, they are returned to the foundation.
“WRIU is an important part of URI’s cultural landscape, and its long-standing presence on campus is invaluable,” Cronan said.
As repair efforts continue, URI’s student senate will evaluate additional funding requests, according to Cronan.
The alumni foundation works to increase awareness of URI’s presence in Rhode Island, and the RhodyNow fund for WRIU is part of that goal, according to Austen Farrell, chief marketing officer at the URI FAE.
“The radio station is able to reach people in a completely unique way [in regards to how] we think about awareness and pride for our alumni, in the state and in the region, making sure people know that URI is doing good and important work,” Farrell said.
Both Delaire and Cronan spoke highly of the radio station and its impact on the URI community.
“WRIU is more than just a radio station,” Delaire said. “It’s a platform for student voices, a bridge to the wider community and a cherished part of URI’s identity.”
For more information about the RhodyNow fund, visit the URI FAE website .