Get ready to show your school spirit during WQLN Radio’s Collegiate Challenge.

WQLN Radio is Erie’s local public radio station, and on Oct. 17 the station began its annual Collegiate Challenge. WQLN will visit local college campuses to raise money for public radio.

Mercyhurst College students will be competing against Pitt-Titusville, LECOM, Allegheny College, Edinboro University, Gannon University and Penn State Behrend in a friendly competition.

Donations will be made in the name of the school, and trophies will be awarded to the school with “Overall Money Raise” and “Most Improved.” Currently the trophies reside at Edinboro and Gannon Universities.
WQLN will be visiting Mercyhurst on Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Herrmann Student Union Great Room.

During this time, faculty and administration will be heard live on radio. This includes Mercyhurst President Thomas Gamble, Ph.D., Robert Hoff, Ph.D., Michael Fuhrman, Msgr. David Rubino, Ph.D., Joanne McGurk, Ph.D., Mary Ann Owoc, Ph.D. and junior Jeremy Dickey.

Senior Courtney O’Brien and juniors Richard Molloy and Lindsey Burke are helping organize the event as a part of their internship in the marketing and communication departments.

Associate Director of Public Relations Debbie Morton is supervising the student organizers.

“I think this is a great opportunity for Mercyhurst to showcase its school spirit and pride,” Molloy said. “It’s always good to beat Gannon or Behrend, no matter what the contest.”

Participation is not limited to students. Faculty, staff, administration and alumni are encouraged to participate as well.

“Collegiate Challenge is a great way for public radio to fund-raise and get students, faculty and the college community excited about public radio and keeping it alive,” Burke said.

“If every student even donated a dollar, this would be a huge help,” Molloy added. “We’re not expecting large donations from students, but every little bit really does help.”

The live broadcast will be aired on WQLN’s station 91.3 FM.

Pledges can be made now or the day of the broadcast when students are manning the phone lines.

To pledge in advance call 866-5454 or visit wqln.org/main/radio/collegiate%20challenge/.