Throwback Thursday: WKU Herald and Talisman celebrate 100 years

Last weekend, a couple of nationally-recognized student-led organizations on Western Kentucky University’s campus celebrated a century of student-run journalism and media. The College Heights Herald, the student newspaper, turns 100 this year, and Talisman, the student lifestyle magazine and yearbook, turned 100 last year. While the programs that run these student publications have evolved with the times, there core values of journalism and media lead the students to seek knowledge and truth.

Talisman has been calling itself a keepsake of student experiences since its inception in 1924. Over the course of a century, it has taken many forms – a large hardback printed book specifically for the Potter College of Young Ladies in its earliest form, then a printed book for the whole university, then a sleek paper magazine, a digital magazine, and beyond.

The College Heights Herald began in 1925, and has served as a voice for the students ever since. The Herald also serves as an opportunity to connect more of Bowling Green to campus, while also sharing student viewpoints on current world events and the climate. Everything from addressing the draft situation for students during WWII to underground cave rescues and the Y2K scare to start the new millennium is covered by the Herald team.

The Student Publications team hosted a special centennial event last weekend, marking the amazing accomplishments of the evolving journalism and media school at Western Kentucky University. Not only has the program produced top-notch, award-winning journalists, but also photojournalists and broadcasters on TV and radio as well. In fact, WKU is ranked number six on the list of the top 10 Most Honored Student Media Outlets in the history of the National Pacemaker Awards from the Associated Collegiate Press that was founded in 1921.

This reporter is an alum of the School of Journalism & Broadcasting at WKU, which is now known as the School of Media. The world of truth seeking with freedom of the press is critical to a democracy. While the media evolves in digital forms and new ways to reach readers are explored, the importance of the free press in our world continues to be so important. What will the College Heights Herald and Talisman look like in another 100 years?