Alumnus, Long-time KPCC Host Steve Julian Dies
Photo credit: Bill Youngblood/KPCC
Steve Julian, a renowned Southland radio host who helped pioneer the University of La Verne’s radio broadcast program as a student in the late 1970s, died of brain cancer April 24, KPCC reported.
He was 57.
Julian, known around Southern California as the host of the Morning Edition on KPCC, had also worked as a Baldwin Park police officer and a theater actor and director. But his roots can be traced back to the University of La Verne, an institution he attended at a time when the Communications Department was in its infancy.
“Steve was one of the founding students in our Radio Broadcast major,” said Professor of Journalism George Keeler. “He brought to our program his immense talent and creative insight and provided a professional path for all who came after him. We are saddened to hear of his passing, but honored to know he was a Leo who brought forth the values and mission of La Verne to his profession, and in so doing, improved the human condition.”
Julian worked as a disc jockey for the University of La Verne campus radio station KULV and for KBOB FM, a big band station transmitted to the San Gabriel Valley from the University’s super tents.
“I remember that Steve, at first, didn’t enjoy playing swing dance music of the 1940s. Very soon, though, he told me he grew to love it. As a young adult, World War II swing music became his favorite genre of music,” Keeler said.
Roy Lunel, who taught radio and television classes at the University from 1977 to 1983, described Julian as a student who stood out from the rest because of his drive and ability to inspire his peers.
“You could tell that radio was his passion and he was destined for greater heights in this field. I recall listening to him on Morning Edition and feeling proud that he got his start at ULV,” Lunel said.
After leaving the University of La Verne, Julian began his radio career in the early 1980s working at KPRO in Riverside, according to his KPCC biography.
He co-anchored with Larry Mantle, KPCC’s current host of AirTalk. Although it was a successful start, Julian left a short time later to become a police officer with Baldwin Park Police Department. KPCC reported it was a detour he took to follow in the footsteps of his father.
But eventually Julian came back to radio in 1995, working as a traffic reporter for AirWatch America in Orange County. He joined KPCC in 2000. A story on his career detailed how he was on air when the 9/11 terrorist attacks occurred, and had to break the news to Southern California listeners.
In his free time, he worked as a playwright, actor and director for theater productions throughout the region, and also served on the board of directors for two theater companies, including the Los Angeles Coeurage Theatre Company. He wrote about theater in the online publication LA STATE Times, KPCC reported.
Though he led a busy life, Julian did not forget his Leopard roots and returned for the University of La Verne Communications Department’s 25th anniversary celebration in the Arts and Communications Building in 2002. He was among about 200 people who attended – a crowded gathering that also included alum Ross Mathews from the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Professor of Communications Mike Laponis said it was the one and only time he met Julian, but it was a memorable experience because of Julian’s prestige.
“It was an honor and privilege to meet him,” Laponis said.
