Nice story about guy who owns WSOO, Rock 101, Oldies 93

NEWS RELEASE

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY

************************* Sovereign Communications, WSOO start scholarship at LSSU

By E.C. Solomon, LSSU arts intern

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – Sovereign Communications owner Bill Gleich says he knows what it's like to be a kid with a dream.

At age 14, when he worked for WSOO in Sault Ste. Marie, he said he always thought he'd like to own the station and be a big part of the community.

After graduating from school, he left the Soo.

But now he has returned and his company owns Sault stations WSOO 1230 AM, WSUE 101.3 FM, otherwise known as "Rock 101," and WNBY "Oldies 93" in the Sault and Newberry.

Now, Gleich wants to help other kids' dreams come true with the help of the newly established WSOO Radio Scholarship at Lake Superior State University.

Since 1940, WSOO has been serving the community and has been a leader in news and weather, Gleich said, adding that the new scholarship is a way for the station to serve the community in another way.

"LSSU is so important to the community; I can't imagine Sault Ste. Marie without it," he said. "I am thrilled to help make the difference in someone's education." The purpose of the WSOO Radio scholarship is to support an incoming freshman or current Lake State student who has a demonstrated interest and involvement in communication.

The annual award will be for full tuition and required fees at LSSU.

Eligible recipients must be residents of the Eastern Upper Peninsula, preferably a graduate from a Chippewa County high school.

The student must show interest and involvement in communication media.

The scholarship was accepted by LSSU President Betty J. Youngblood and LSSU English and Communication Dept. Chair Gary L. Balfantz, Ph.D.

"We are extremely grateful to WSOO for establishing this scholarship and providing an outstanding educational opportunity for students at LSSU," Youngblood said. "This scholarship is a wonderful addition to our financial aid offerings."

Balfantz agreed, adding: "This is a landmark scholarship – generous and so very important. I cannot thank Mr. Gleich enough as he honors the field of English and communication and, most important, helps an LSSU student with his generosity."

Gleich said he is excited at the thought of the scholarship helping students who show a great work ethic and commitment.

"We want to be connected to the community," he said. "This is home and we are proud to offer this scholarship."

For more information on this scholarship, as well as other LSSU scholarships, contact the LSSU Foundation at 906-635-2665, [email protected], or visit http://foundation.lssu.edu.

To find out about LSSU programs in communication, contact Admissions, 888-800-LSSU, ext. 2231 or visit www.lssu.edu.

Photo above by LSSU's John Shibley shows Lake Superior State University President Betty Youngblood and Bill Gleich, president and CEO of Sovereign Communications, signing papers to create the WSOO Radio Scholarship. Looking on from behind are Gary Balfantz, left, chair of LSSU’s English and Communication Department, and WSOO General Manager Tom Ewing.

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