The first radio station at Michigan State University was established through the efforts of the Amateur Radio Club in 1919, under the call letters of 8YG, making it one of the earliest college radio stations in existence. Broadcasting weather reports and farm market prices was its primary function. In 1925, 8YG became WKAR, the commercial broadcast station, while a ham radio station was formed under the call letters 8XBU. 1927 saw the issuance of a new license and a new call sign, 8SH. The first day of operations for the College’s permanent call sign W8SH, was January 22, 1927. The club has been an active force in local and national communications during disasters and emergencies with membership in the Lansing Disaster Control plan (1964) and the Community Radio Watch Programs. While staying on top of advancing technology, W8SH placed the first United States to Europe slow-scan TV QSO, on February 22, 1969. The club also coordinated and broadcast chess matches between Lansing and Buffalo, New York. During the third Presidential debate on October 19, 1992, at Michigan State University, the Radio Club was doing its part by communicating with others around the nation. In 1951, Ian O. Ebert became faculty advisor for the Radio Club. He held this position for thirty one years. Upon Ebert’s death in 1982, Gerald Parks took over as faculty advisor, and currently advises the club. In 1983, the station W8SH, was dedicated and renamed Ebert Memorial Station.