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 1964 that Muhammad Ali (then known as Cassius Clay) shocked the boxing world by beating Sonny Liston to become Heavyweight Champion of the World. And it was on this date in 1982 that the last Lawrence Welk Show aired. -
It was on this date in 1868 that the U.S. House of Representatives voted on 11 Articles of Impeachment against President Andrew Johnson. And it was on this date in 1909 that the Hudson Motor Car Company was formed. -
It was on this date in 1945 that the American flag was raised by the U.S. Marines on the island of Iwo Jima. And it was on this date in 1954 that the first Polio vaccines were given to schoolchildren in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. -
It was on this date in 1889 that President Grover Cleveland signed the Omnibus Enabling Act which provided access for four new states to join the Union - Montana, Washington, North Dakota, and South Dakota. And it was on this date in 1988 in Lake Placid, NY that the United States upset the Soviet Union during the "Miracle on Ice." -
It was on this date in 1931 that Alka Seltzer was introduced. And it was on this date in 1965 that Malcolm X was assassinated while giving an address in New York City. -
It was on this date in 1804 that the Ohio General Assembly passed an act establishing Ohio University. And it was on this date in 1856 that The No-Nothing Party met to nominate former President Millard Fillmore as their candidate for president. -
It was on this date in 1904 that Giacomo Puccini's Madame Butterfly premiered in Milan. It was originally a flop. And it was on this date in 1913 that a huge exhibition premiered in New York that first featured cubism, futurism, and other "isms". It showed Americans something outside realistic art. -
It was on this date in 600 that Pope Gregory the Great put out an edict saying that all people should say "God bless you" whenever anyone sneezes. And it was on this date in 1943 that Winston Churchill became very ill and nearly passed away. -
It was on this date in 1867 when Austrian composer Johann Strauss II's "The Blue Danube" waltz premiered. And it was on this date in 1936 that Adolf Hitler announced the creation of the VW Beetle automobile. -
It was on this date in 270 A.D. that the origins of Valentine's Day began. And it was on this date in 1899 that the first trainload of fruit was transported across the country.
