Dr. Ruane Hill
His career spanned over 45 years as a radio station manager and communications professor. After his 1948 graduation from Beloit College he managed commercial radio stations in Massachusetts. He moved to academia in 1958 and served on the faculties of Beloit College, Syracuse University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He was station manager of the university’s WUWM-FM from 1964-1976, and was the first chair of that school’s Mass Communications Department from 1970-1983. He served on the Boards of Directors of the National Educational Radio and the Broadcast Education Association. He was on the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Board of Directors from 1964-1976, serving as Association Secretary for 10 years. During that time he organized the first WBA College Seminars held at UW-Milwaukee.
Ruane Hill passed away on Sept. 29, 2023.
Attended UWM from 1969-1971 and changed my major to radio and television. Dr. Hill was wonderful!! Worked at WUWM but not really on-air. Thanks to Dr Hill I got a job at then WEMP/WNUW in Milwaukee doing various jobs, and eventually, thanks to DR> hill with the National Education Radio group (pre-NPR) and then went on to a station in DC. Eventually that led to a position with a trade association ib DC and eventually with another trade association as the head of Congressional Relations. Who’d have “thunk” it! Later, in the early ninties, I met my eventual husband and we, in a moment of insanitty, bought a farm, raised fruit and sold in numerous markets in DC. I thank Dr Hill for giving me the confidence in myself to try new and different directions!
Dr. Hill my freshman mentor 1966. Wandering Fine Arts lower level, ran into my sister’s friend who told me about WUWM, over there, room 12. I volunteered, enjoyed two mah-vel-ous years learning from Dr. Hill, Jean Holzhauer, Ron Cuzner and other student volunteers.
I attended UWM 1970-‘74. Ru was one of my journalism professors and I am forever grateful to him for the knowledge and enthusiasm he passed on to his students. Journalism has been berry berry good to me. Ru helped give me meaning and purpose; my life has been a happy and fulfilling one. Thank you!
Over the last 44 years, I came to know Ru in so many different contexts. He was a teacher, advisor, a powerful voice in university governance, and a personal friend. I don’t mind saying that it was Ru’s endorsement back in 1991 that won me a job in UWM’s division of University Relations.
Ru accomplished so much on the twin realms of broadcasting and higher education, but his legacy will be one of service to students.
Thank you, Dr. Hill, for believing in us. Rarely has one ban done so much for so many.
I worked for Dr. Hill in 1964 as a student broadcaster/announcer. He obtained our 1st FCC license. I truly enjoyed working for him.
Dr. Hill was an advisor and professor to me while finishing up my Mass Comm degree at UWM. I was his TA my final year and he was instrumental in providing channels into the professional world of communications. In fact, he recommended me for several internships and my first job in the media business. I credit his guidance and that of Dr. Douglas Gomery and Dr. George Bailey with much of my love of and success in the broadcasting and media worlds. Thank you Ru.