Dave was a very important supporter and cheerleader in my life. I'm still amazed that as a young Alderperson barely 2 weeks elected, he took my crazy idea of having Friends of Madison Student Radio serve as the 501(c)3 to pull the street permits and assist the young musicians attempting to organize the 2009 Mifflin Street Block Party into an actual, permitted event.

The event had always been hands-off to the University, but having seen WSUM organize Party in the Park for many years, I knew that the friends at WSUM could be a good fit to be a partner host for the event.... and thanks to Dave and a bunch of fantastic, hardworking students, we made it happen!

I am so, so sad at Dave's passing. I hosted two radio shows -one music, and one public affairs show- and years later came back to assist the On Wisconsin crew. I always felt like I had a home at WSUM, even post-graduation. From the old station (that smell!) to the new (so sophisticated and professional!), from 2002's Party in the Park (how did I get tired and leave before the White Stripes came on?!) to jumping in the lake for the Polar Plunge (and lining up backwards... so our body paint at first read MUSW.. ope!) I have so many beautiful, fond memories of my experiences with the station and the people I met because of the years of tireless work that Dave put in to make this magical, dream of a place exist, and give young adults the opportunities and platforms to make their crazy ideas and dreams into reality.

I hope they play the Alec Baldwin manatee PSA on loop for 24 hours in a salute to Dave's brilliance and dedication to make WSUM the special place that it is.