WLFR celebrates 41 years on air with live music in the Campus Center

By Kirah D. Cobbs on October 20, 2025

On October 16, 2025, students, faculty, and community music lovers alike gathered at Stockton University Campus Center to celebrate the 41st anniversary of Lake Fred Radio (WLFR) station.

WLFR officially went on air in 1984 after operating as Stockton State Radio (WSSR) since 1975. WLFR student manager, Julian Carruolo, when asked how the station works to uphold its original values responded, “I think the station’s mainly about bringing new music into the space and we really keep that up. We are not allowed to play any mainstream music. It’s all about new stuff so that people will discover new music they haven’t heard.”

WLFR staff photographed in the Galloway studio. Photo courtesy of Paige Cripps.

Student Manager, Kollisa Pimentel, also disclosed the work they do to at WLFR: “What I do, we do it together, we basically create ideas for what events we wanna have. We talked to a whole bunch of people in order to make it happen and we run the whole thing.”

If the chilly air and changing leaves bring on the feeling of fright, be sure to attend WLFR’s upcoming Halloween events. WLFR community manager and music director, Mariella Negro said, “We want the school to know about Afterlife on Air. It is on the 27th.” There will also be a Halloween party hosted at Brewberry Cafe in Atlantic City on October 30.

WLFR members are no strangers to pulling off themed campus gatherings. When asked about their favorite past events, Negro, recalls, “Love on Air! It was a party that we had, a Valentine’s Day party and that’s what really kicked off the station.” Anyone preplanning on getting bit by the love bug is in luck, as Negro confirmed that Love on Air will be returning next February.

Live music fills the Campus Center at WLFR’s 41st anniversary. Photo courtesy of Paige Cripps.

In an interview with Back Deck, a band that rocked the 41st anniversary stage, it was learned that musicians Caleb Demmerle on guitar and vocals, Bane Ryan on guitar, Andrew Watson on drums, and Nick Daleo on bass only began playing together this past summer. They played covers of indie rock and pop favorites such as Mac DeMarco’s “Freaking Out the Neighborhood” and Clairo’s “Bags.”

Back Deck also performed an assortment of original songs. Vocalist Caleb Demmerle says, “Ryan Bane on guitar, he loves The Backseat Lovers so that’s usually what we try to go after. Also, I love Men I Trust”

Local musicians looking to expand to new listeners can submit for a chance to have their music played on WLFR here.