Percy Bartelt, opinions editor

Among the various student organizations here on campus, our very own student radio and concert promotion is among the most unique. KAUG radio has all of your concert, music, streaming and podcast needs. After talking with one of the board members and President, they have one thing to say to you: COME JOIN AND GET INVOLVED!

I spoke with KAUG’s very own Karelly Reyes Alvarado who was excited to showcase a group that means so much to her. Alvarado discussed in an interview with the Echo how they first learned about KAUG as a first year here at Augsburg in 2021, “I was so excited hearing about KAUG at orientation, but was sad hearing that no one was reaching out, so I was interested in joining and changing that.” She went on to explain her experience with becoming KAUG’s Events Coordinator, planning events, reaching out to students for a variety of music to showcase on the radio and even reaching out to community members that make their own music in hopes of featuring them! 

They explained how when they showed up to their first meeting, everyone treated her like she had been there for years, they didn’t question her validity or position or anything! They immediately welcomed her! KAUG’s shift in popularity in these past few years has come from their clear success in promoting their wide variety of amenities — showing their audience what they can do and the amazing power they hold! 

Alvarado discussed their focus on promotion of events and just how incredibly effective it was for the group, “I remember one of our events was to paint your own album cover, and we weren’t really expecting many people, but we had so many people show up saying, “We saw your poster!” I felt really proud of the work I’ve done to build the group.” Alvarado continued, “It taught me how to talk and plan with community members, and how to promote our events. I never thought I would be able to do it, and I wasn’t alone — my board members and friends had my back coming up with pitches and event ideas. I’m very proud of the work we’ve all done.”

KAUG radio also has a student-centered air time featuring many different speakers and topics. “Hella Chisme” is a podcast in which Alvarado co-stars herself, alongside her friend Jose Orozco Islas where they discuss Latinx topics like pop culture, music, film and food! The Echo’s very own Christine Horner also has a podcast with her friend Alan Schroeder called “Interesting!” where they share their special interests and discuss topics of autism and neurodiversity. These are just a couple of podcasts featured on their station. They also stream music and promote local artists and their concerts, so if you or someone you know needs a shoutout, don’t be afraid to talk to KAUG members!

KAUG radio has an Instagram account (@kaugradio), a YouTube channel (@KAUGRadioAU), a Twitch channel (@KAUGRadio) and even a Spotify account (@KAUG Radio). To get involved, you can either email them at kaug@augsburg.edu or go to their Instagram and click their Linktree in the bio and fill out their official Google Form with all the necessary information! KAUG members are so excited to engage with the community, so come join them and even get started with your own creative endeavors!