Faculty Papers: George C. Biersack Papers

A Dayton native, George Biersack graduated from Chaminade High School, and attended the University of Dayton. He graduated in 1952 with a degree in speech and began teaching at UD in the same year. Professor Biersack earned his master’s degree in speech from Miami University in 1956, while working at UD.

In 1964, the Speech Department became the Communication Arts Department, with Professor Biersack serving as the department’s first chairman. Additionally, Professor Biersack was also the manager of UD’s radio station, FM-100 WVDU, from the late 1960’s through the mid-1970’s. At its height, WVUD was the number one commercial station for ages 18-34 in nineteen different rating segments, making it one of the most successful commercial stations run by undergraduate students in the nation. Professor Biersack also directed closed-circuit television activity on campus

Professor Biersack was a pioneer in educational television in the Dayton area. He was the general manager of the Miami Valley Educational Television Foundation which was founded in 1954. The foundation, and its affiliate WKEF-TV (Channel 22) aired programs like “Passport to Music” and “Young Thoughts” as well as airing its most popular program “Sesame Street,” which it purchased beginning in 1970. Professor Biersack was responsible for producing more than 5,000 educational television shows for the Miami Valley Educational Television Foundation. In 1958 the University of Dayton began using closed-circuit television as a teaching medium. Between 1958 and 1961 twenty-eight courses were taught through the closed-circuit system, with Professor Biersack as the director.

Today, Flyer Radio (99.5) has taken the place of WVUD-FM which began broadcasting from the University of Dayton in 1964. Flyer Radio continues the tradition of excellent broadcasting at UD which began under the leadership of Professor George Biersack.

Notable Items

Personal correspondences:

• A letter from Senator Charles Whalen thanking Prof. Biersack for being a member of his campaign committee—Nov. 1960
• A letter from Rev. Raymond Roesch granting Prof. Biersack tenure—March 1964
• letter from Senator William Proxmire, Wisconsin

Records and information about the Miami Valley Educational Television Foundation

Teaching materials, including information relating to the television courses at UD in the 60's

Professor Biersack was involved in the production of a UD promotional film from 1968-69.

Outside of teaching, Professor Biersack also enjoyed breeding and raising race horses. He owned a horse named Clovins Beauty.

Professor Biersack and his wife Jeanette had two children, Mary and Buddy.

There are more articles relating to the history of broadcasting at UD in the George Biersack papeers at the University Archives.