MOUNT VERNON — A 39th anniversary doesn’t get singled out like silver (25), gold (50) or diamond (60), but it’s significant nonetheless.
WNZR 90.9 FM reached that milestone on Wednesday, and celebrated by handing out 99 servings of ice cream from Round Hill Dairy.
WNZR, located on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, began regular broadcasting in the fall of 1986.
“Celebrating our anniversary each year allows us to celebrate the many ways that God has blessed our ministry over the past years,” said station manager Marcy Rinehart.
“It allows us to say thank you to our listeners for their partnership in this history. They are a vital part of our ministry’s legacy. They have listened to us and supported us through prayer and financial support for 39 years.”
For Joe Rinehart, assistant professor of communication, director of broadcasting, communication and media at MVNU, and Marcy’s husband, anniversaries highlight partnerships.
“It means another chance to celebrate the partnership MVNU and WNZR have enjoyed with our listeners and the community,” he said.
“We celebrate the privilege we have as faculty, staff and students of being part of this ministry. The ice cream is a way to celebrate and thank our listeners.”
“Your ministry has truly been a blessing to me and my family over the years.”
Angie, from Howard
The anniversary includes celebrating how God uses WNZR’s ministry to change lives.
“Often that is the person listening on the other side of the radio. It also happens with our students,” ” Marcy said.
“It is such a blessing to see a student walk through the learning process to become a wonderful communicator and content creator. Then we get the extra blessing to see where God takes them to serve others.”
Technology changes, but the message does not
Joe Rhinehart, who has 20 years of experience as a professor, director of broadcasting, and on-air host at WNZR, said that radio has changed dramatically. The days of playing albums and CDs have given way to computer systems, which play digital files, as well as websites, social media, and streaming.
“But what hasn’t changed is the message of hope we bring, no matter how you listen,” he said. “Next year marks 40 years, and that’s really exciting and humbling to think about. God has been faithful over five decades of ministry.”
“I really enjoy the variety and selection of music on WNZR. I’m also blessed by the inspiring messages and stories that are shared by the DJ’s between songs. They are always so thoughtful, personal, and uplifting.”
Chris, online listener from Elgin, IL
Marcy Rhinehart said the anniversary also allows students to learn and understand the history of the station.
“It helps these students know that what they do each day and during their four years here makes a difference,” she said.
Prayers answered, dreams fulfilled
Marcy Street (now Rinehart) came to Mount Vernon Nazarene College in the fall of 1987 to study broadcasting.
The college transitioned to a university in 2002.
She graduated from MVNC in 1991 and returned Sept. 1, 1996, as the new station manager at WNZR.
“We are so blessed to hear how our station impacts listeners. God uses our station to be a true Lifeline in so many lives,” she said.
MVNC applied to the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) for an educational, non-commercial broadcast license in 1982.
However, students had to wait until January 1986 to see their dream fulfilled.
MVNC finally received the FCC construction permit on Jan. 21, 1986. Due to Ohio’s winter weather, the 300-foot tower and transmitter were not installed until April.
MVNC petitioned the FCC for special permission to allow those 1986 seniors — freshmen when the college first applied for the license — a chance to broadcast live before graduation.
The FCC agreed, and the students who had waited four years had the chance to be live on 90.9FM.
“Thank you for everything you have done for this community for over three decades. You are truly a blessing!”
Mary, from Fredericktown
“God was faithful to fulfill their dream and has now given us the opportunity to be heard anywhere at any time with today’s technology,” Marcy Rhinehart said.
“We broadcast through our website, wnzr.fm and have free apps for any phone. God has answered those prayers from 1982!”
The station will host a WNZR alumni reunion on Nov. 15 during MVNU’s Homecoming. Students who were involved with WNZR, took a broadcast or communication course, or spent time in Founder’s Hall are invited to attend.
Activities include a special alumni broadcast.
(Below are some of WNZR’s photos of the ice cream celebration.)
