Uploaded June 2023 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In April 1998, WSBT-TV in South Bend, Indiana produced a two-part feature on the Valparaiso University Storm Intercept Team [VUSIT]. These were recorded off-air from the original broadcasts. I visited the meteorology department and later applied at Valpo in 1998. Although ultimately I was not accepted due to abysmal initial math test scores and eventually attended Western Michigan University for geography/meteorology/GIS, the small Midwestern meteorology department was just one of two others that were within the Great Lakes region [those being Ball State and College of DuPage]. Central Michigan University or Purdue University did not have academic storm chase programs at the time. This is a fun time capsule with several familiar faces whom went on to fruitful careers in broadcast meteorology, forecasting work at the Storm Prediction Center and other routes entirely.
Enjoy!
Video © WSBT-TV.
In April 1998, WSBT-TV in South Bend, Indiana produced a two-part feature on the Valparaiso University Storm Intercept Team [VUSIT]. These were recorded off-air from the original broadcasts. I visited the meteorology department and later applied at Valpo in 1998. Although ultimately I was not accepted due to abysmal initial math test scores and eventually attended Western Michigan University for geography/meteorology/GIS, the small Midwestern meteorology department was just one of two others that were within the Great Lakes region [those being Ball State and College of DuPage]. Central Michigan University or Purdue University did not have academic storm chase programs at the time. This is a fun time capsule with several familiar faces whom went on to fruitful careers in broadcast meteorology, forecasting work at the Storm Prediction Center and other routes entirely.
Enjoy!
Video © WSBT-TV.
