WGRE marking 70th anniversary with special events

DePauw University radio station WGRE (91.5 FM) is celebrating its 70th birthday this month.

WGRE signed on in April 1949 as the nation's first educational station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission. The station is now DePauw's largest student organization, involving about 200 students each year.

WGRE is doing several things to celebrate, including:

-- WGRE promotions director Ally Low, who is from Terre Haute, will do a 24-hour marathon broadcast from this Friday at 8 p.m. until Saturday at 8 p.m. During that time, she will have live call-ins from WGRE alums over the years.

-- On Saturday, WGRE will host a campus birthday party in the Union Building, 8-10 p.m. The event will feature local musicians, food and giveaways.

The emcee will be WGRE alum and former Indianapolis television newscaster, Ken Owen.

Donations of school supplies (and cash) will be accepted to support the Putnam County United Way's efforts to help area school children.