When it came to choosing the entertainment for KANU’s 50th anniversary, there really wasn’t much to argue about. A classical quintet rolled out the chords to “Happy Birthday,” a decision that reflected both the station’s past and future.

The quintet performed under a white tent at the celebration Sunday, where about 300 former and present employees and listeners of the station gathered to share stories. For many, it was a chance to reflect on their careers and the changes KANU has seen in its half-century of existence.

For example, the station, 91.5 FM, was one of the first to have a jazz program and read books online, said Ed Browne, KANU’s first station manager.

It also quickly grew from a fairly small operation to one that airs 24 hours a day. Programming has become more diverse and news more plentiful, former employees said, while funding has come less from the government and more from private citizens.

One thing that hasn’t changed  at least not quite  is the station’s location. When the FM broadcasting equipment was donated to Kansas University in 1949, it found a home in what is called “The Mud Hut,” a small building behind Marvin Hall on KU’s campus.

But visitors Sunday were able to see construction of a new building at 1120 W. 11th St. Station employees hope to be in the new facility in April.

“Definitely by our 51st birthday, we’ll be there,” current station director Janet Campbell said.

Still, the old building has a lot of memories, said those who came back for the family-reunion style event.

Glenn Price, the station’s first production manager, met his wife there on his first day of work. Jim Seaver used The Mud Hut for his weekly show “Opera for Hobby.” Fifty years later, he’s still doing the show.

“I just enjoy doing it. There are endless possibilities,” said Seaver, who Friday will receive the Ellsworth Award for lifetime service from KU.

As people mingled and ate their birthday cake, the quintet gave way to a group of mandolin players. The music stopped only once for brief speeches by Campbell and Browne.

The radio man hadn’t lost his touch when it came to charming his audience. Teasing his wife and showing off for the crowd, he also shared heartfelt memories from his 17 years with the station.”KANU has been the most important part of my life,” he said.