Muskingum celebrates fifth WMCO Weekend

   For the fifth year in a row, WMCO Weekend will liven up campus.

   Assistant Professor of Communication and Station Manager of WMCO Lisa Marshall explained the genesis of the weekend.

   "WMCO Weekend was a result of Student Senate having a nice sum of money left over from allocations," said Marshall.

   She then explained that Student Senate let student organizations write proposals to explain what they would do with the extra money if they got it and WMCO was the winner.

   "The first year [2008] it was actually WMCO Week, with six days of events," said Marshall. "They had fireworks and endurance competitions. It's a way to promote the station and thank everyone for supporting us."

   While the events were originally held in March, last year the weekend was moved to January in order to coincide with the founding of the radio station on Jan. 28, 1961.

   Marshall explained the various events planned for this year.

   "The biggest challenge is getting the radio students to decide what they want to do," said Marshall. "We try to think outside the box [and] be creative. Last year we had things like a petting zoo and a date auction and we're doing the date auction again this year on Thursday Jan. 26 at Brewed Awakenings."

   She clarified that both the winner and the auctionee will get separate gift cards when participating, so they are not necessarily obligated to go on a date together if they decide against it.  However, bidders on the auctionees are encouraged to bring their money to the event.

   "Friday Jan. 27 at 8 p.m., CenterBoard is sharing their normal time slot with us for The Singing Fish, which shows off Muskie talent and a local band called The Undeserving," said Marshall. "On Saturday the 28 from 4-6 p.m., [WMCO is hosting] a chili contest involving community members at the New Concord United Methodist Church."

   WMCO does not profit from these events.

   "Over the past four years, [WMCO Weekend] has raised about $2,000 and 2,000 pounds of food for local charities," said Marshall. "This will be our fifth year with three charities:  The American Red Cross, Operation Feed, and the Muskingum County Animal Shelter."

   In order to support these causes, entry is granted to any WMCO Weekend event by a monetary or a non-perishable food donation.

   "People are usually pretty generous," said Marshall.  "It's good to see our students giving back."

   In addition to the events of WMCO Weekend, a big change is coming for WMCO.

   "WMCO will be streaming online, worldwide, starting Friday Jan. 27 and we will have a remote broadcast," said Marshall.  "We would like to thank the administration and CNS for helping make the streaming possible."