Campus News

By Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist 

As the summer of 2022 neared its end, one Rockford University marketing student said he wanted to do something that would benefit other RU students. Dominick Welte, a junior, decided to launch his podcast RU (Rockford University) on Air at the beginning of the Fall 2022 semester. 

Everyday, dozens of people step foot on Rockford University, making it easy to stay within the shadows, Welte said. Through the university-centered podcast, Welte said he has been able to bring people into the spotlight. 

“The goal of the podcast is just to try to highlight different people at school because I feel like Rockford University has so much talent,” Welte said. “This is a way to highlight some of our athletes, students and teachers and just help everyone get to know each other and build a little bit more community.”

Welte will start his senior year in Rockford University’s Business College this fall. He is a double major in marketing and economic finance, and said he plans on adding an accounting minor. 

Director of Student Involvement and Orientation Alex Johnson has been helping Welte with the podcast by purchasing all the necessary podcast equipment and giving each unedited episode a first listen before it goes live, Welte said.

Talking to a variety of students, faculty and staff for the podcast has been one of the best parts since launching, Welte said. His guest list has included  performing arts students, men’s basketball players, men’s volleyball players, football players, PURI School of Business faculty, and a Rockford University campus security officer, just to name a few.

“I’m always looking to get new people in,” he said. “It’s an application that you fill out. We try to randomly select someone from the application. Anyone who wants to go and sign up and we choose from there.”

The application link can be found in the bio of the podcast’s Instagram.

Make sure to check out RU On Air, which is available on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and Buzzsprout.  

A shortened version of this story can be found in the Spring 2023 Catalyst.