The WBA Foundation has wrapped up another successful year! Hi, I’m Chris Bernier your new Foundation Chair. First thing in this report is to recognize Al Lancaster our Chairman for the last several years, he did a terrific job. We will do our best to continue on. Thanks Al!
The Walker Broadcast Management Institute returned for its 25th year to the UW-Madison campus. This year’s graduates include:
Bridget Fargen, WSAW-TV
Sarah Jablonski, WSAW-TV
The next Institute courses will be held April 14-16, 2026, on the UW-Madison campus.
At our Summer Conference in La Crosse we welcomed four new members to the Local Broadcast Legends:
Judy Clark
Pat O’Neill
John Stofflet
Gary Suhr
We topped off the Summer Conference with this year’s WBA Hall of Fame inductions. Since 1989, the Hall of Fame has grown to 168 members. This year’s inductees include:
Paul Braun
Denise Callaway
Bill Hubbard
Mark Zoromski
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Hall of Fame induction.
Erin Wolf from Radio Milwaukee was awarded the Results Broadcasting Student Debt Relief Grant. Bruce and Don Grassman had the vision to establish the grant. The grant was increased to $3,000 last year thanks to an additional contribution from Bruce Grassman. The idea for the grant is being replicated by other state broadcast associations.
The first ever Boyd Huppert Education Debt Assistance Grant was also awarded in 2025. It was given to Allyson Fergot from WKBT-TV in La Crosse.
The WBAF needs your financial support so that we can continue to help establish a lasting legacy for our Foundation and its members. As part of your financial planning, please consider a contribution to the WBA Foundation and or becoming a member of our Legacy Club. All levels of giving are needed and are beneficial to our mission.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be your new chair. For this privilege, I am honored.
Sincerely,
Chris Bernier
WBA Foundation Board Chair
