WZND marks 45th anniversary with alumni reunion, Hall of Fame inductions

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University’s WZND celebrated its 45th anniversary on Saturday with a reunion that brought alumni back from several decades and inducted new members into the station’s Broadcast Hall of Fame.

Among those inducted were Michael and Amber Rigsby, who said their time at WZND shaped both their personal and professional lives.

“We have been together for 22 years. We met at WZND, so it’s special for us on two fronts. When our relationship and life together began here, and so much of everything we accomplished professionally started in the basement of Fell Hall,” Michael Rigsby said.

Since their time at WZND, the Rigsbys founded DirtonDirt.com, and Michael Rigsby is now general manager of FloRacing.

The event also honored media business director Deb Lesser, who is retiring after being with the station since its founding.

“Cherish it. It will be the most rewarding experience, and just keep in touch with those people,” Amber Rigsby said. “Enjoy every moment of it and drink it in, because it’s truly a magical time and experience that you really never get again.”

Many attendees said their time at WZND was among their most cherished college memories.

Adrian Michael, a former promotions director at WZND who is now a sales planner at Disney, said the reunion offered a rare opportunity to reconnect.

“Me and my girlfriend are both WZND alumni. She was the news and sports director and NSOD during her time, and there’s just no other event that would get all these people together the same way it was when we were working,” Michael said. “We still stumble across people we worked with at WZND, but there’s no other event where we’re all in one room.”

The event featured tables and standing areas facing a stage displaying the Hall of Fame plaques. A cash bar and commemorative pins were also available for alumni.

Adam Evans, a former WZND client services director, said the station played a major role in his college experience.

“WZND was literally the highlight of my college experience. It made tons of friends for me, lifelong friends and relationships that I’ll always have,” Evans said. “I don’t go to high school reunions, but when it comes to WZND, I make sure I show up.”

WZND inducted seven new members into its Broadcast Hall of Fame and celebrated Lesser’s career and contributions.

The Broadcast Hall of Fame inductees included Michael and Amber Rigsby, Bill Cavanaugh, Lauren Elwell, Howard Packowitz, Sal Garcia and Joe Brand.

The station’s next reunion, scheduled for 2031, will mark the station’s 50th anniversary.