WHFR DJ receives inaugural “Making Waves” award
Long-time WHFR-FM (89.3 FM) DJ Joe Sullivan is the recipient of the inaugural “Making Waves” award for his many years of service at WHFR, HFC’s student-run, non-commercial, independent radio and internet broadcasting station.
“It’s a nice feeling,” recalled Sullivan, of Dearborn. “This was totally out of the blue. I didn’t know I won it until it was announced. It was a well-kept secret around here. All of us were at a WHFR staff meeting when (WHFR general manager) Susan McGraw announced it.”
“Joe’s passion for music, unwavering dedication, and boundless generosity have left an indelible mark on our community,” said McGraw. “Beyond the airwaves, Joe’s love of broadcasting and WHFR knows no bounds. Whether lending his time and talents to special events or simply lending an ear, Joe embodies the spirit of community and compassion that lies at the heart of WHFR’s mission.”
Hosting “Big Band, Broadway, and Beyond” for 15 years
A Detroit native, Sullivan is a graduate of St. Bernard’s Seminary High School in Dearborn Heights. After graduation, he completed coursework at HFC (then Henry Ford College) and the Detroit Institute of Technology.
Sullivan was drafted by the U.S. Army and served 19 months, 13 of them in Vietnam. After he left the Army, he attended Wayne State University on the G.I. Bill, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in speech and mass communications.
“I thought I would become a history teacher, but all the teachers were getting laid off. I thought about going into business, but then I learned Wayne State had a great speech and mass communications program, so I signed up for it,” said Sullivan.
For nearly 30 years, Sullivan worked for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. When he retired from the VA, he wanted to do something else and enrolled in HFC’s Introduction to WHFR Radio, the 1-credit course required to work for WHFR, which was taught by retired HFC instructor Jay B. Korinek.
“I was finally doing something with my degree,” recalled Sullivan, laughing. “It gave me something important to do in retirement. I remember after turning in my demo tape, WHFR called me two days later and offered me the show ‘Big Band, Broadway, and Beyond.’”
The heart and soul of WHFR’s big band programming
That was in 2009. Sullivan has been hosting that radio show ever since from 10:00 a.m. to noon every Friday.
“I love putting together big band music and putting on a good program for people. It’s nice getting positive feedback from listeners. Being on the air is pretty cool too,” said Sullivan.
“For 15 years, Joe has been the heart and soul of WHFR’s big band programming,” said McGraw. “With each broadcast, Joe has transported us through time and genre, weaving together melodies that resonate deep within our souls.”
McGraw expressed her admiration for Sullivan’s willingness to embrace new technology.
“His openness to keep his show fresh and relevant inspires us to adapt and evolve in an ever-changing world. So it is with great honor and gratitude that we present Joe with the first-ever ‘Making Waves’ award for his extraordinary contributions to our station and to our community,” said McGraw. “His passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment have touched countless lives, leaving a legacy that will endure for years to come and a radio show that will hopefully do the same. Thank you, Joe, for making WHFR – and our world – a more harmonious place!”
