The following is a letter from past president Chris Galbraith (KA8WFC).
Dear W8UM Alumnus,
After a couple year hiatus, mainly due to the theft of the gear from the South Quad shack and College of Engineering move up to north campus, the club is back on the air. In fact, we’re approaching 40 members in Fall 2004 and growing fast.
But we need your help. We strongly believe that W8UM should be a top-notch amateur radio club station, commensurate with the quality of The University of Michigan. As alumni, we benefit from the outstanding education and social experience gained at the University, as well as Michigan’s grand reputation. This greatness should also extend to the signal heard from W8UM. To this end, by the spring of 2005 we hope to have a tower atop the EECS roof, and antennas and radio gear to support operation from 160m through the microwave bands (including amateur satellite). This is going to take a lot of work on our part, both in the form of physical labor and fund-raising.
If you are sympathetic to our cause and are able to help the club in any way, please contact us. We are seeking donations of any kind: radio gear, antennas, and money. The club can take donations through the EECS department–as such, your donation will afford you the tax benefits of donating to a non-profit organization. We can also arrange pick up of any sort of equipment donation if you are located somewhat locally.
In addition, we would love to have alumni members of the club! Think about the next time you visit Ann Arbor–you’ll have a grand station to use, and a large group of enthusiastic club members to keep you company.
VY 73 and GO BLUE!
Chris Galbraith, KA8WFC