Written by Carly Nichols (General Manager 2023-2025)
Since 1949, the radio station currently known as 88.5 KURE Ames Alternative has been rocking the radio waves of Ames, Iowa. Residing in the basement of Friley Hall, KURE has established a haven for all music enthusiasts at Iowa State. The community thrives off diversity, inclusion, and acceptance, and the success of the station reflects the ambition and diligence of its members.
The station has been through a wild journey since its birth 75 years ago. KURE is not the original call sign- it is in fact the sixth call sign in the station’s history, established in the mid 1990s. The first call sign was KMRA in 1949, with a quarter watt of power being broadcast out of a Friley Hall dorm room. Students Cedric Curin, Chuck Hawley, and Maurice Voland are to thank for the creation of this wonderful, beautiful community that KURE is today. As the station became more and more popular on the Iowa State campus, a major boost to the wattage and a move to the Friley basement allowed the broadcast to eventually extend to all of Ames. In 2020, COVID-19 struck the station as it did the rest of the world. Operations and events ground to a halt, and DJ shows were only able to be done from home. But through hard work and a dedication to the station, Iowa State students were able to bring the station back from the brink. KURE is now thriving more than ever, and this trajectory is likely to greatly increase its impact at Iowa State and across the Ames area.
KURE is an extremely unique student organization due to it often being an unofficial lifelong commitment. An expansive and extremely knowledgeable alumni network is a very large reason why we are able to expand, host events, and continue the station’s legacy. Through countless pieces of advice, endless amounts of support, and donations, KURE alumni are an integral part of keeping us thriving. We want to specifically thank Darren Hushak and Teed Welch* for their continuous technical and financial support that makes everything we do possible.
Some highlights of the KURE experience include Kaleidoquiz, the crazy-wacky-chaotic-but-still-cool trivia contest, KURE Fest, the epic music festival, and the variety of DJ sets and committees, allowing students of all majors and backgrounds to express themselves on-air and off.
Kaleidoquiz is a 26-hour trivia contest- if only as a surface-level definition. Convoluted, obfuscated questions are read on air every six minutes, with chaotic DJ sets in the background as added inspiration to the players. Questions range from obscure pop culture references to deep dives into detailed instruction manuals. Teams are also encouraged to participate in other aspects of the event, such as the scavenger hunt, picture and video challenges, montages, and the travel challenge. As technology and use of the Internet has increased, so has the accessibility and difficulty of the competition. Kaleidoquiz has a history at Iowa State as one of the longest-running ISU traditions. This article here gives an excellent recollection of the origin of the event, written by the originator himself, Craig Spear (ISU ’71).
KURE Fest is a two-day music festival hosted by KURE in the M-Shop in the Memorial Union at Iowa State. In the past, KURE Fest was smaller scale, happening over only one evening, and with a smaller crowd of patrons. Now, artists like Quarters of Change and Alex G have graced the KURE Fest stage, building the festival a loyal fanbase of attendees. KURE Fest gives students the opportunity to see a free concert on campus, with a more up-close-and-personal feel to the shows. The genres of the bands vary from year to year, but with an emphasis on alternative rock and pop, as goes the KURE brand. National headliners draw in the audience, while also giving the local/regional opening bands a platform to show off their stuff. Rapport with the local music community is a huge part of KURE, and many of the same bands can be seen jamming at multiple KURE events.
The backbone of KURE is its student DJs and committees. ISU students of all majors are welcome to apply for DJ sets and can play essentially whatever they want (following FCC regulations of course). This way, students have a space to express themselves on air to the entire Iowa State community. It provides a sense of connection and gives students practical skills- from learning to speak confidently on air to being prepared for any technical mishaps that may arise. Committees are another way for ISU students to get involved in KURE. Anyone is welcome to stop by any committee, no matter your level of knowledge on the subject. Right now, KURE has four committees: music review, technical, social media, and quiz committees. Music Review Committee is probably the station’s most popular- it’s a place for music lovers of all genres to discuss new releases and compare their tastes. Members are also invited to write articles for the station’s websites, showcasing their love for a specific artist or album. Technical Committee is just what it sounds like- members go over any technical issues that the station is experiencing and discuss how to fix them. They also work on any production/post-production from live studio sessions. This gives students in any major an opportunity to become familiar with radio software and hardware, which can be invaluable tools that they can apply to other areas. Social Media Committee helps promote the station- members brainstorm ideas to post to KURE’s various social media accounts. It’s a great place to be silly, creative, and get to make fun videos with friends. Quiz Committee is dedicated to the creation and cultivation of Kaleidoquiz and Quickykwiz. Members come up with questions, events, photo challenges, montages, and more. Quiz committee is always a place to be your truest, silliest self, and create a crazy awesome trivia contest doing it.
Overall, KURE is a stellar campus institution to say the least. There are so many opportunities for everyone to get involved, no matter what you’re interested in. The community is extremely welcoming, and everyone works toward a common goal. Thank you to everyone who has made the past near century of music possible. Three cheers to 75 more years of KURE!!
*Teed Welch has graciously offered to match financial donations from other alumni to KURE, for more information, reach out to info@kure885.org.
Testimonies:
KURE absolutely made my college experience. It helped me find a community of friends that made me feel welcomed and loved. KURE helped me find my people and gave me something to be passionate about during my time at ISU. I’ve had so much fun creating and existing alongside everyone at KURE. I can’t imagine my college experience without KURE, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world!! – Payton (Graphic Design Director)
KURE has been a fantastic community to be a part of and a springboard for my professional career. Being part of an organization that has encouraged innovation and creativity is truly a privilege and highlight of my college career! – Kate (Production Director)
I joined KURE because I wanted to know more about music culture and make friends. I’ve felt so welcomed into the easy-going yet determined environment that has been so carefully created. I am so excited for my future years with KURE. Student radio never dies! – Binx (Events Intern)
KURE 88.5 was the first community I really felt a part of here at Iowa State. Within KURE, I’ve been able to make nothing but amazing friends and memories no matter what part of the station I’m involved in. Cheers to another 75 years of KURE 88.5! – Kenny (Graphic Design Intern)
I was introduced to KURE by an old friend, and I thought that it would just be a simple social club, but it’s far more than that. I’ve learned a lot about maintaining the radio system and I’ve been able to use that as resume material. Plus, the best part is that there are people here who are really awesome that I would not have otherwise had the opportunity to meet. By far, joining KURE has been one of the best decisions I have made in college. Here’s to another 75 years of learning and bonding through student radio! – Conner (Chief Engineer)
I joined KURE on a whim, hoping to find fellow music-lovers, and that decision was one of the best of my college career. I made friends across so many different majors, and I’ve learned so much from all my experiences at the station. Even though radio is not related to my major, being a part of the station has given me invaluable friendships and professional experiences. The welcoming, inclusive community at KURE is something I will never forget, and I hope to bring that energy into my future. I am endlessly proud of all the members of KURE- everyone really brings a great attitude to everything, and we have gone above and beyond our expectations of ourselves. I LOVE KURE!!! – Carly (General Manager 2023-2025)
I’ve wanted to join a college radio station since my sophomore year of high school, and KURE does not disappoint. There are endless things I love about this station. I love being a DJ and playing silly little songs for people, I love helping out whenever we’re out doing an event, and I love hanging out with some of the best people on the planet. It makes me so happy! :] – Dzevad (Music Director)
While I sought out KURE from the moment I arrived at the university, I could never have anticipated the way that my life could be changed by this station and community around it. As a DJ, I have been given the chance to expand and refine my musical taste while sharing the songs I like with others, and as a member of the board I have helped in uplifting local music and making the station an integral part of the community. I have met friends at the station who share my passion for what we create together, and who I feel a true connection to. My college experience is defined by my time at the station, and I’ll always look fondly upon my time here. – JFitz (KQ Intern)
I have had so much fun collaborating with everyone at the station to put on Kaleidoquiz and Quickykwiz. Everyone here is so creative and witty, and I am honored to be able to work with them. – Seth (KQ Director)
Anyone who has transferred schools knows what a lonely and alienating experience it is. Luckily for me, this feeling faded very quickly after getting involved at KURE. From Club Fest to Open House, to DJing and attending Music Review Committee, to joining the Board of Directors, KURE has been an extremely welcoming and supportive environment every step of the way. I truly think this is one of the most unique organizations at Iowa State and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it. – Ari (External Music Director, General Manager 2025-2026)
I first heard about KURE from the amazing Natalie Dombrowski (then DJ turned Programming Director) when I took my campus tour at orientation, as I was fortunate enough to have her as my guide. As soon as I knew KURE existed, an image came to mind of hanging out in the studio, bonding over music with other likeminded dweebs, creatives, and all-around awesome people- and I knew that’s where I wanted to be. Starting as an intern and becoming Music Director, I found all of that and more. Now I get to look back at my time making beats with the others in GarageBand on the office computer, planning and making trips out to festivals, cleaning the coffee maker once or twice, and way too much else to list in a blurb (which is already pretty long- oopsie). I made some awesome friends and memories at KURE, and I’m glad that many more people continue find community and connection there all the time. Miss y’all – Ethan (former Music Director)
To me, the station is a place that anybody can go to in college and feel a sense of belonging. I met the most amazing people during my time at KURE; from pulling all-nighters during KQ together and planning KURE Fest in 2019! I’m so proud of the station and how it continues to hold on to that college radio magic 
– Rae (General Manager/Events Director 2018-2021)
Highlights from 2024-2025 Academic Year:
