Mark Pennell
AnnouncerMark Pennell is our somewhat colorful, morning and mid-day personality. He joined the staff of WKSU in the early fall of 1996. Since arriving he has claimed “Announcer of the Year” for 1997 in public radio. Previously, he could have been heard on WOSU in his native city, Columbus. He also is a voice-over talent in radio and TV. Prior experience has come from other radio stations in the Midwest region. He studied at Ohio State University in Communications. Mark’s family of two sons, a daughter and wife, Amy (an artist), reside in a historical home in north Kent. The character and history of the house is wonderful, but the house needs a new furnace (the old one reminds him of Marianne, the steam shovel from a favorite children’s book), and Mark spent his whole summer last year painting and repairing the house. Oh, well, it comes with the territory. He still likes it. Mark is an active member in his church, Riverwood Community Chapel. His hobbies are: golf (he stinks at it), and cars (his dream-car, a Mini Cooper is only driven when the weather is good which is why he only puts about 5,000 miles on it a year). History is a special hobby for Mark, as one could tell by listening to his show. Mark’s favorite parts of his show are the facts and amusing tidbits on the composers that he shares with listeners. He feels this brings a sense of connection and humility to classical music that is greatly needed, so that everyone can enjoy it. A brief bio on Mark’s favorites: Composer: Depends on the time of day Piece: Schubert’s “Unfinished” symphony Artist: Peter Serkin or Michael Murray Color: Green or red Food: Steak, “Dump” (a concoction of maple sausage, hashbrowns, eggs, and cheese wrapped in a soft tortilla shell) and Graters ice cream (Mint Chocolate Chip) From Mark—“Moving to Kent has been one of the best things I have ever done. It’s been a very good experience for me and my family. The people are genuinely nice and really interested in listening to WKSU. The countryside is truly beautiful too. Northeast Ohio has a wonderful support for the arts and I enjoy being in that company.”
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It was on this date in 1888 that one of the worst blizzards ever hit the United States. Hurricane strength winds coupled with heavy snow resulted in 400 people dead between Washington D.C. and Maine. -
It was on this date in 1849 that Abraham Lincoln became the only future president to apply for a patent. -
It was on this date in 1862 that the Battle of Hampton Roads took place in the American Civil War. It was a naval battle noted for being the first battle between two ironclad ships - the U.S.S. Monitor and the C.S.S. Virginia. And it was on this date in 1954 that respected journalist Edward R. Murrow used his TV show to take on Sen. Joseph McCarthy and his hunt for communists. -
It was on this date in 1930 that Babe Ruth made headlines by signing what was then, a hefty contract worth $160,000. That would be $2,693,633.53 in today's money. And on this date in 1962, the Beatles made their television debut on the BBC. -
It was on this date in 1876 that Alexander Graham Bell received the patent for the telephone. And it was on this date in 1996 that the Hubble telescope took snapshots of Pluto for the first time. -
It was on this date in 1849 that some argue that David Rice Atchison was acting President of the United States. -
It was on this date in 1815 that the U.S. declared war on Algiers in the Second Barbary War. And it was on this date in 1855 that the U.S. Congress approved funding to see if camels could be used for military use. -
It was on this date in 1877 that the 1876 election was finally decided for U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes. And it was on this date in 1882 that the last of many attempts on Queen Victoria's life was made. -
It was on this date in 1803 that Ohio became a state. And it was on this date in 1917 that the public was shown the secret Zimmermann Cable in which Germany proposed a military alliance between Germany and Mexico. -
It was on this date in 1883 that the first Vaudeville theatre opened in Boston. And it was on this date in 1972 that George Harrison and his wife Pattie got into a severe car accident. Their Mercedes was a total wreck.
