Get to Know HFC: Michael Dereniewski, 35 years with WHFR
Michael Dereniewski took his first class at HFC (then Henry Ford Community College) in 1990, and never really left.
"After graduating from high school, I found that HFC was a good place to explore a variety of career paths," said Dereniewski. "I've always liked production. I've worked production full-time at Wayne State University for almost 30 years, and part-time at HFC for more than 35 years. So expanding to teaching was a natural transition."
Dereniewski wears several hats at HFC:
- He is a Media Communication Arts instructor.
- He is the WHFR Multimedia Manager.
- He is the WHFR Record Show Coordinator.
- He is the WHFR Newsletter Editor.
"Mike has been part of WHFR's evolution for more than three decades, helping us continually reinvent what a great college radio station can be as music, media, and technology have changed around us," said MCA Chairperson and WHFR General Manager Susan McGraw. "As one of our longest-serving members, Mike embodies the collaboration and sense of community that make this station so special. There's something about WHFR — once it gets into your soul, it tends to stay there. We're so grateful that connection has remained such an important part of Mike's life, because his contributions to WHFR have been invaluable."
Has held a variety of roles at WHFR to this day
The eldest of two, Dereniewski was born in Detroit. He lives in Royal Oak with DJ Marie, his wife of 20 years, who's a former WHFR on-air talent.
Dereniewski is a graduate of Aquinas High School in Southgate. He earned his associate degree in general studies at HFC, where he was active in WHFR-FM. He is also a three-time alumnus of Wayne State, where he earned:
- A bachelor’s degree in radio/TV/film
- A master’s degree in communication
- A graduate certificate in communication and new media
"I joined WHFR at the beginning of 1991," said Dereniewski. "Later that year, I was hired as a part-time transmitter operator, which is now a front desk manager. I've held a variety of positions at WHFR to this very day."
Amazing opportunities at WHFR
Founded on December 20, 1985, WHFR is the College’s student-run radio station. It has been providing local talk and original, eclectic musical programming from talented, creative, local independent artists rarely heard in Metro Detroit. The radio station celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025.
"WHFR offers programming that is little heard elsewhere on the radio dial in Detroit or anywhere else, really," said Dereniewski. "Commercial stations are increasingly opting to replace their on-air personalities – individuals who resonate with the community – with options like satellite-fed talent, voice tracking, and artificial intelligence. WHFR is the literal opposite of that scenario: An independent, non-commercial, genuine 501(c)(3) non-profit with 100% volunteer DJs, programming music that they enjoy and want to share with the listeners, not some algorithm calculating 'hits.'"
Being at WHFR for 35 years has never become routine for Dereniewski.
"There's always something new and exciting popping up at WHFR!" he said. "I am grateful to WHFR for opening the doors to so many amazing opportunities over the last 35-plus years!"
Join Dereniewski at the Oct. 10, 2026 WHFR Record show -- an incredibly popular and unique event for the public.