“We have a radio station?” newly appointed Director of Development Vicki Minervino said what she believed to be the common campus catchphrase floating around.

Over 70 years ago, the Central Connecticut radio station arose originally as an AM station, slated as WTCC — currently being utilized as a call-sign for Springfield Technical Community College.

The station became affiliated with the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) when the studio was relocated from East Hall to the Student Center, where the call letters were changed to WCCS.

The first on-air broadcasting the station produced was in 1972, but had to vacate the frequency due to FCC rule for low power non-commercial stations in 1980. Since becoming FM sanctioned, the WFCS 107.7 The Edge transmits all music consistently throughout the year without fail.

Before taking a hiatus, Minervino was the former Public Relations Director — currently filled by Devon Wilson — where her and the whole Executive Board “worked to build up [the] staff, build [the] online presence and make [themselves] more recognizable on campus.”

“After two years of being PR Director I decided to step back and focus on my life and school,” Minervino continued. “In January, the new General Manager, Brazos Ebner, asked me to come back on and help the radio station get back on track after a rocky fall semester and I’m so happy to be back and able to help.”

The drawing factor of this student-run campus radio is the inclusivity and passion for music. After all, it’s foundation is music.

“My favorite thing about WFCS is how no matter the climate we can always find one thing that we all have in common: a love for music,” Minervino said. “I’ve been at WFCS for a lot of changes in the station and also our staff but one thing is always consistent is everyone’s passion for music.”

DJ and a music director Sam Duncan hosts a show where she plays a variety of music: pop, indie, classic rock and pop rock. At first, she was nervous to talk on-air, but ” first thing [she] asked was will ‘[she] have to talk?’ and they told [her] legally all [she has] to do is say one sentence every half hour.”

“My best on-air segments are about something I’m really passionate about and it makes it easy to have a natural sounding segment,” Minervino added. “A good thing that also helps nerves is friends. If you’re nervous invite a friend and pretend the mics aren’t there.”

Minervino also participates in a show, “Fully Loaded Monday’s,” which she has proudly has been slotted for the past almost four years.

“The idea came because I listen to such an eclectic mix of music there wasn’t one thing to really nail it down so it’s Fully Loaded and Monday was just my show day that first semester but it stuck,” Minervino said.

As her nerves broke, Duncan developed confidence for her broadcasting career.

“The truth is I sometimes forget people can listen in because I get so into my own little world in the studio,” Duncan said about her music show.

The radio station fine tunes who is a part of the organization to ensure the students gain practical hands-on experience in the broadcasting spectrum while building relationships between those involved in the production.

“My favorite thing about the radio station is the people,” Duncan stated. “I have learned how to form connections with promoters, I have learned how to operate studio equipment, I have learned some of the legalities of radio and I have learned a lot about myself even though that sounds really cheesy.”

“On any given afternoon you can catch a group of us debating a new album or genre that’s popped up,” Minervino added.

Applicants have to jump through a series of well-thought-out hoops before becoming on-air ready. They have to complete eight hours of training, pass an online and on-air exam and submit a letter of intent to the music director.

“It’s not a one-man ship. It’s a whole crew and I love how much they love the station and want it to succeed,” Minervino concluded. “All I want to add is that if you feel like you can’t find your place, I promise it exists.”