‘UA to Z’ radio show welcomes Akron leaders

By Emily Maher, Writer

UA to Z, a radio show self-described as “all about Akron, our community, our university,” brings in commentators each week from all walks of Akron, highlighting events going on at The University of Akron campus and across the city.

It is produced by Joe Ryan, a PAUS and MAP graduate student, and is hosted by Vice President for Advancement Larry Burns and Willy Kollman, Associate Director of Alumni and Government Relations.

This past Saturday, September 5, the show welcomed Lakeesha Ransom, new dean of the Honors College, Liz Tyran and Jason Scala of Urban Eats Café, and Greg Dieringer, director of UA College Credit Plus program.

Tryan and Scala are the owners of Urban Eats Café, which is located in the historic Arts district in downtown Akron. Tyran is an Arts History graduate of the University of Akron, and Scala has a background in both culinary and art. Since May 2011, they have been running what they call a Pop Art Café—their restaurant each month has an evolving menu and its environment embraces their love of Modern Art. They are located at 51 East Market Street in Akron next to Musica.

Ransom, the new Honors College dean at the University of Akron, spoke with the hosts about her transition from the University of Toledo to UA. She highlighted her excitement to work with honors students, spoke about her background in international experience, and about a course she is teaching this semester called “Global challenges, solutions and startups.” Ransom succeeded Dean Dale Mugler and started on August 1, 2015.

Dieringer, director of UA College Credit Plus program, spoke about his position at the university and about some new additions to UA’s College Credit Plus Program. Most notably, he discussed that this program is no longer just aimed towards high school students, but to middle school students as early as the seventh grade. This move aims to ease students into college and make it more inclusive.

In the community portion of the show, Kollman spoke about the Downtown Akron Art Walk which takes place one Saturday a month—the next date is October 3, 2015. He also reminded listeners about the first home football game which takes place this coming Saturday, September 12 at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field at 6 p.m. where the Zips will be taking on the Pittsburgh Panthers. Tickets can be purchased via phone at 888-99-AKRON (25766).

UA to Z is a new radio show here on campus. It first aired on Saturday, July 11, 2015—and airs every Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. on 1590 WAKR. Podcasts of the show are also available at https://soundcloud.com/uatoz if unable to catch it live.

Be sure to listen to UA to Z this coming Saturday, September 12 at 10 a.m. on 1590 WAK