University radio station to induct three into WVUD Hall of Fame

2:17 p.m., May 1, 2013--University of Delaware radio station WVUD 91.3FM will induct three new members into its Hall of Fame during a ceremony at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 8, in the Bacchus Theatre in the Perkins Student Center.

This will be the fifth class to be inducted by WVUD and this year’s honorees are Julian (Pete) Booker, Neal Payne and Ron (Roadblock) Smith.

Honors Stories

National Medal of Science

President Barack Obama recently presented the National Medal of Science to University of Delaware alumnus Rakesh Jain.

Warren Award

Rosalind Johnson, assistant dean for student success in the NUCLEUS Program in UD's College of Arts and Sciences, was presented the John Warren Excellence in Leadership and Service Award during a May 26 ceremony.

• Warren Award
• Athletic training accolades
• Outstanding student teachers
• Library recognition

According to station manager Steve Kramarck, Booker was a student member of WHEN/WDRB radio and was a vital cog in the station's eventual move from carrier current and AM radio to FM.

Booker is now president and CEO of Delmarva Broadcasting, which includes stations such as WSTW and WDEL.

Payne was one of the pioneers behind WVUD's longtime Sunday night lineup of vintage music. Kramarck said Payne expertly crafted the In A Mist program for WXDR and WVUD and served as its host until his untimely passing in 1993. The program continues to air and serves as part of Payne’s legacy.

A mainstay in Newark, Smith has been WVUD's resident blues music expert and host for three and a half decades, Kramarck said. In addition to his show hosting, Smith is also a skilled performer and was part of the early incarnations of George Thorogood's Delaware Destroyers.

Smith is an ardent supporter of the town of Newark and its relationship with the University of Delaware, taking an active role in the Town and Gown Committee.