WNTE's
half-century BirthdaY!
In 1968, a plethora of life-altering events took place. One of the best was the birth of our radio station. Since then, there have been ups and downs, but one feature has stayed constant; WNTE teaches its broadcasters - young or old - the necessary basics in audible communication.
If you were a part of the WNTE (or WXMU) squad at any point in the last 50 years, we want to hear about it. Tell us your favorite memory, if you met your best friend at a meeting, or any other moments you happen to remember. If your experience with the radio station helped you get that job, got you through a tough time, or gave you the confidence to ask that question, we want to know.
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This page will continue beyond our 50th anniversary, so continue to send in your stories!
From 2007 to 2010, I was a radio DJ for WNTE and I also was their Underwriting Director. I LOVED being part of the station and having my own variety show. I feel, as a DJ, it brought a lot of excitement and could bring life to anyone while they are going through the struggles of college life. I always love to look back on the station's page to see how it has transformed since I was in college. I miss the DJ days for sure!
- Kristina A.
Responded to a letter in the "new student" packet sent to me..had been working at home town newspaper..seemed like the next logical step. On air and continuity director. Went on to work at local stations for 20 years as Joan MaKenna...referencing the movie "MaKenna's Gold" around that time.
- Joan (Active 1970-1974)
Hard to believe I would be writing this 50 years later! In October of 1969, I was in the cafeteria and the guy beside me, I can't remember who, said 'that music we hear is the campus radio station'. There is a radio station on campus asks I? Show me!
We went into South Hall, I have not looked back since that day. My life was altered forever and I remain even in retirement doing an occasional gig. I was fresh out of the Air Force, so my first WNTE picture in the 1970 Carontawan has me in a suit.
I would not wear a suit or get a haircut again till graduation! Along with WNTE, I would join Players and the Flashlight and all three became my life's work.
- John W. (Active 1969-1973)
WNTE was some of the most fun I’ve ever had and one of the best experiences of my 4 years at MU. I still cherish the memories.
- John M.
I lived every minute of 3 and a half years for WNTE! My only regret is that I didn’t start sooner! So many great memories and experiences were made because of this station! “It’s not the size, it’s the frequency!” Happy 50th!
- Michelle P.
As a Mansfield HIGH SCHOOL Student, I worked for WNTE in 1968. My Mother, Winifred N., was a member of the English Department at (then) Mansfield State Teachers College. WNTE was where I began my 51 YEAR CAREER in Radio. 10 MIGHTY watts at 89.5 FM!
- Michael N.
WNTE changed my life and made a huge impact on where I am today! I was a part of WNTE from 2004 - 2007. My time at the station also provided me with some of my favorite college memories. I transferred to MU at the start of my sophomore year...my best friend came the year before me and she was already involved in WNTE.
When I came we started a show together, The Cool Kids. We were on air Tuesdays. I struggled that first semester and ended up on academic probation. The bright spots were WNTE and my Intro to Communications class. I declared at the end of that semester to be a Comm major with an emphasis in broadcasting.
As I got into those classes and settled into friendships through WNTE, things shifted and college became fun and my grades went back up. I met my husband as part of the station. He was General Manager of WNTE his senior year. I joined the board as Office Manager & Parliamentarian my junior year, and I served as Program Director my senior year.
My senior year I was on air with fellow comm major Corey Genovese...our show was called Guilty Pleasures. We had a Mansfield town resident fan who listened each week...a young boy, his name was Kevin. He called us all the time...his mom brought him to visit one week. I think his excitement over our show taught me that radio connects and matters.
I fell in love with radio at MU and my love for communication over the airwaves continues. After college I worked at a station in Bloomsburg, PA from 2007 to 2013 and have been on air at WGRC-FM in Lewisburg, PA since 2014. I absolutely love opening up the mic each day and speaking to the person on the other side.
With WNTE I found my passion for radio and met my husband...something I will always be super grateful for!
- Courtney S.
'NTE alumnus. Back when we had the gall to call it WXMU.
- Nicholas S.
Spent many a night in the basement of the then South Hall at WXMU/WNTE! Thanks to the late, great, Leo Hartman for giving me my first chance at radio.
- Dre '95
My entire career owes WNTE bigtime! Board of Managers '85-'87; on-air '84-'87; "Office Intern" '83-'84. Utterly unsupervised experienced staffers taught us newbies. It was Heaven. Takeaways: You don't know what you don't know & Change is Good.
- Andy B.