Kadie Daye, Goshen College alumna from the class of 2021, has been a “radio geek” since she was eight years old. She remembers sitting in the car with her mom, listening to various radio stations and passionately mimicking them. “I would do the jingles alongside the hosts, and every time they went to music, I would actually switch to the next station just to hear them talk some more,” she said.

This early fascination with radio sparked her passion, which has only grown over the years.

Daye, a former broadcasting and marketing double major, left a “secured legacy” at GC, as noted by Jason Samuel, director of WGCS FM and Globe Media. “She took the morning show to a new level,” he added.

She was named Best On-Air Personality five times, twice by the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System, and once each by the Broadcast Education Association, College Broadcasters, Inc. and Indiana Association of School Broadcasters.

In March 2021, Daye won the IBS Student Management award for Best Radio Student Station Manager and the Best of Festival at the BEA Festival of Media Arts. Reflecting on her achievements, she said “That’s like never been done before, so I honestly felt kind of shocked that I won that much, but also grateful that I did.”

Daye’s exceptional work ethic and versatility made her stand out as one of the most driven and creative students in the program. Samuel described her as “focused, hardcore and exceptional talent.”

Daye played a vital role during the transition of the studios above the Union Building to the Center for Communication Studies, where she started the three person morning show and produced videos daily. “She was one of the first people to have that morning team,” Samuel said.

During late nights working on projects, Daye’s dedication was unmatched, as Samuel recalls. “It was like five or six in the morning, and we had been here all night. She was still going strong while I was laying on the floor, practically asleep. I finally had to admit, ‘You got me. I need to get some rest.’” He added, “I think she was the first person to ever outlast me.”

After graduating Daye worked at Country 106.5 WYRK in Buffalo, NY, where she stayed for three years as a part of the morning show team. “I was the female perspective of the morning show,” she said.

She also managed the station’s social media, handling interactions, posts and creating graphics for special features and concert giveaways. She also edited videos for social media platforms like TikTok.

Despite her hard work and dedication at the station, Daye’s time there came to an unexpected end. “Unfortunately, if you’ve been following the industry news with both radio and television, a lot of people have been facing layoffs over the last few months,” she explained. “And unfortunately, I was a victim of budget elimination. They actually eliminated my position.” Despite this setback, Daye remains optimistic. “It’s how you choose to react to the setbacks that really defines your character,” she said

Daye remains determined to pursue her passion for broadcasting and radio. Reflecting on her time at GC, she said, “I’ve just been trying to use the tools I was given, like learning how to use video and social media to stand out in a crowd. I think it’s helping me get the interviews and access I need to find my next radio opportunity.”

While she is not entirely sure what her next career move will be, she is confident that is on the horizon. “The fact that I haven’t been on the radio in a while is actually driving me a little insane,” she said.

Samuel, who has always seen her potential, believes in her bright future. “Kadie is going to continue doing great things. She’s a great storyteller and knows how to engage her audience with what they care about. I’m really proud of her.”