News Summary
Western Kentucky University (WKU) recently commemorated a century of student journalism with a centennial celebration for The College Heights Herald and Talisman. The College Heights Herald has been a platform for student voices since 1925, while Talisman, the lifestyle magazine, evolved significantly and reached its centennial last year. This celebration highlights the importance of journalism in a democratic society and reflects on the journey of student media at WKU, producing award-winning journalists and adapting to media changes.
Bowling Green, KY – Last weekend, Western Kentucky University (WKU) marked a milestone in student journalism with a centennial celebration honoring The College Heights Herald and Talisman. The College Heights Herald, the student newspaper, is celebrating 100 years since its inception in 1925, while Talisman, the lifestyle magazine and yearbook, reached its centennial last year, having been founded in 1924.
The centennial celebration highlighted the commitment of both organizations to the core values of journalism, specifically the pursuit of knowledge and truth. These principles have guided the evolution of their programs over the years, adapting to the changing landscape of media.
Talisman has undergone significant transformation since its establishment. Initially published as a large hardback book for the Potter College of Young Ladies, it transitioned into a complete printed yearbook for the university, morphed into a paper magazine, and now exists as a digital publication. This evolution reflects the changing preferences and practices in student media.
The College Heights Herald has served as a platform for student voices and a connection between the WKU campus and the Bowling Green community. Over the decades, it has covered significant historical events such as the WWII draft, underground cave rescues, and the Y2K scare, providing insights into various student perspectives.
The Student Publications team at WKU organized special centennial events to celebrate these important milestones in journalism at the university. WKU has a reputation for producing award-winning journalists, photojournalists, and broadcasters for both television and radio. It currently ranks sixth among the top 10 Most Honored Student Media Outlets according to the National Pacemaker Awards by the Associated Collegiate Press.
As technology continues to advance, the role of free press and the pursuit of truth remain vital to the functioning of a democratic society. As WKU reflects on its past, questions arise about how The College Heights Herald and Talisman will further adapt and evolve in the next century.
Jace Lux serves as WKU’s director of media relations and functions as a liaison between the university and the media. In this role, he has been responsible for managing media inquiries and communications for notable campus events over the past five years. His duties encompass writing press releases, drafting speeches, and organizing media events related to the university.
Lux collaborates closely with local news outlets and maintains a national distribution list to ensure that WKU’s activities receive appropriate coverage. He emphasizes the need for timely and thorough responses to media inquiries, especially given the fast-paced nature of journalism.
Part of his responsibilities involves adherence to regulations under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which mandates WKU to respond to requests for information unless specific exceptions apply, for example, in cases affecting ongoing investigations.
Handling sensitive situations poses challenges for Lux, particularly regarding press statements where discretion is necessary. These circumstances necessitate balancing the university’s communication with consideration for the individuals and families involved in various situations.
The last major press conference hosted by WKU occurred during the COVID-19 shutdown, highlighting the importance of effective communication even during unprecedented times.
Lux’s connection to WKU is longstanding, having worked at the university since his graduation in 2001. His commitment to WKU reflects not only his passion for student achievements but also the institution’s significance to his personal and professional journey.
As WKU’s student media celebrates this remarkable legacy, the community looks forward to the future of journalism on campus, wondering how the next generation will continue the tradition of excellence established over the past century.
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Additional Resources
- WNKY: Throwback Thursday – WKU Herald and Talisman Celebrate 100 Years
- Wikipedia: Journalism
- WKU Sports: Baseball Series Opener Against LA Tech Adjusted
- Google Search: Western Kentucky University
- WKU Herald: The Other Side – Jace Lux on Creating the University’s Public Face
- Google Scholar: WKU Student Media
- WKU Sports: Baseball WKU Hosts Kentucky for Final Midweek Matchup
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Media
- WKU Sports: Hilltoppers Weather the Storm and Wildcats Top Kentucky 6-4 After Lengthy Delay
- Google News: WKU Student Newspaper
