Meet Eckerd College's WECX Station Managers Maddie Merrick and Taj Sorenson. They, along with their 80 volunteers, rock! In a recent NYT article about the importance of college radio, WECX certainly is in the groundbreaking genre of next gen broadcasters, celebrating music, conversation and interviews with students and faculty. They raised $3,000 to to remodel the station, alphabetized the CDs, plan WEXapalooza and educate at another event about sexual health & HIV in 2025. Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser is thrilled to partner with Maddy and Taj, and we talked about their journey, their successes and the future!
👉Madeline Merrick is a dedicated student at Eckerd College, pursuing studies in Animal Studies, Psychology, and Music. She is known across campus for bringing consistently positive energy to every corner of Eckerd College and to all aspects of her life. As a leader within WECX, the college’s student-run radio station, Madeline manages station scheduling, supports major campus events, and hosts weekly live broadcasts, which demonstrates strong communication, organization, and creative skills. In addition to her work at WECX, Madeline serves as an Eckerd College Ambassador, where she guides prospective students and families through campus tours with professionalism, warmth, and a genuine passion for the institution. Her experience also includes roles in childcare, education, and marine science programming, reflecting her commitment to supporting young learners and creating meaningful, engaging experiences. Across her academic and professional pursuits, Madeline is recognized for her reliability, her enthusiasm, and her ability to make a positive impact in every environment she joins!
👉Taj Sorensen is a student at Eckerd College majoring in Marine Biology with minors in Environmental Studies and Contemporary Music. She brings curiosity, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose to her work both inside and outside the classroom. She is passionate about marine conservation, and is currently conducting undergraduate research on microplastic concentrations in green sea turtles which explores how plastic pollution affects their health and the ecosystems they depend on. As Co–General Manager of WECX 99.9, Eckerd’s student-run radio station, Taj manages station scheduling, supports major campus events, and hosts weekly live broadcasts. Her leadership reflects strong communication skills, thoughtful collaboration, and a genuine commitment to helping others thrive. Beyond her role with WECX, Taj has gained experience in animal care, education, and community outreach through internships and volunteer positions. Originally from Utah, she also has a background in contemporary music performance and instruction, bringing a unique blend of artistry and scientific passion to her life at Eckerd. Across her academic, creative, and professional pursuits, Taj is recognized for her dedication, her interdisciplinary approach, and her ability to inspire meaningful connections between people and the marine world she cares so strongly about.
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