The University’s student-run newspaper will celebrate 100 years of publication on Oct. 27, making it one of the longest running independent campus newspapers in the nation. University Archives has erected an anniversary exhibit in Mullen Library featuring highlights from the newspaper’s rich history covering campus life, culture, and events from a student perspective.
The Tower was first published on Oct. 27, 1922 and was named after the newspaper’s then-location in Gibbons Hall.
The exhibit is called “The Tower: Its First Century” and features a small display of archival issue prints and memorabilia from significant events in the University’s history that were covered by student reporters. From papal visits to campus reactions to the attacks on 9/11 to the opening of the Brookland-Catholic University Metro station, the exhibit shows the value of the student perspective on major events for the Cardinal community.
“The exhibit is wonderfully done and really showcases how the history of The Tower is linked to the history of the University. I honestly got a little emotional because I really love working for The Tower, and it is amazing to see physical reminders that there have been a really long line of people who love it too,” said Jacqueline Jedrych, a senior world politics major and new editor-in-chief of the student newspaper.
Some noteworthy memorabilia include 1980s-era student government pins and a beanie given to first year students during Orientation 1958. The Archives website also has a digital version of the exhibit. Each artifact has been preserved as a reminder of the campus’ history, with each pertaining to different aspects of student life.
Over the years, the newspaper itself has changed significantly to reflect the times. It has gone through 129 editors and switched from print to virtual publication in 2015. Jedrych said she hopes to expand The Tower’s reach to the student community by building their “social media and photography presence.”
Jedrych hopes to continue the legacy of The Tower as a symbol of the Cardinal community and an expression of University campus life.
“I look up to past members of the editorial board, and now it’s me!” said Jedrych. “This exhibit is truly a testament to the impact journalism has on our community and I hope we will see another 100 years of The Tower!”
Maisy Sullivan, senior, Communications Intern