CARBONDALE - Changing times and technology have caused one of Southern Illinois University Carbondale's oldest student organizations to dwindle in membership, but those involved anticipate a strong resurgence.

The Amateur Radio Club flourished at its peak about 20 years ago, but only about seven students now participate on a regular basis, said club adviser and technology professor David Williams, who tries to build interest and encourage participation through his course curriculums.

One of the downfalls when trying to build interest in young people comes from the perception that amateur radio operators simply use handheld communicators, which are most frequently used to talk locally, Williams said.

"They just don't understand how fun it is to get on the big radio and talk to people all over the world," he said.

Another challenge comes from the pure simplicity of amateur radio compared to other electronic devices like video games, iPod and the Internet, Williams said, adding, "Drawing people into the hobby has been a challenge with all the glamour and the glitz."

Brent Hemrich, a junior electrical engineering technology student, has been one of the people successfully lured into the hobby - and into the Amateur Radio Club - by Williams' in-class introductions. Williams took Hemrich's class to the control room with the club's main radio and let them talk to someone in Africa.

"I thought it was pretty amazing," Hemrich said. "I never knew you could talk to people like that."

The young student put the thought of learning more about the hobby in the back of his mind for about a month, and then he decided to ask Williams about the next step. His instructor told him a certification test was being offered the next day, so Hemrich pulled a late-night cramming session and passed the test.

Hemrich plans on using his newfound skills and hobby more this summer when he's stationed "in the middle of nowhere" for an internship. While he'll still have his cell phone with him, he plans to use his radio as a primary way to keep in touch with the outside world.

adam.testa@thesouthern.com

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