The DePauw

The DePauw. It is the official student newspaper of DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. First published in 1852, it is one of the oldest continuously published college newspapers in the United States. The publication serves as a primary news source for the campus community, covering university affairs, local events, and student perspectives.

History

The newspaper's origins trace back to 1852 with the founding of The Asbury Monthly at Indiana Asbury University, which later became DePauw University. In 1873, the publication evolved into a weekly newspaper titled The DePauw Weekly. Throughout its long history, the paper has chronicled significant events including both World War I and World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, and various campus protests. It transitioned to a tabloid format and adopted its current name in the late 20th century. The publication has been recognized by the Associated Collegiate Press and the Indiana Collegiate Press Association for its journalistic excellence. Key figures in its development have included longtime faculty advisor Ralph Gray and numerous student editors who have gone on to careers at major outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post.

Campus

The newspaper's offices are located within the Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media on the DePauw University campus. This facility, named for Eugene S. Pulliam, publisher of The Indianapolis Star, also houses WGRE, the student-run radio station, and other student media organizations. The building provides modern resources for journalism and communication students, including newsrooms and production studios. Its central location near the East College building and the Roy O. West Library places it at the heart of student activity. The DePauw University campus itself, noted for its Gothic architecture and designation as a National Historic District, provides the backdrop for the paper's reporting.

Academics

The publication operates under the auspices of the Department of Communication and The Media Fellows Program at DePauw University. It functions as a practical laboratory for students studying journalism, English literature, and political science. Student staff often receive academic credit for their work through independent study courses or internships. The newspaper's operations are closely tied to the Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media, which supports experiential learning. Faculty from the Department of Communication, including professionals with experience at organizations like CNN and The Associated Press, frequently serve as advisors. The paper's content often intersects with campus debates informed by courses in sociology, history, and economics.

Student life

The staff of the publication is composed entirely of DePauw University students, including roles such as editor-in-chief, managing editor, and section editors. It is a major extracurricular activity that draws participants from various fraternities and sororities, varsity athletics teams, and campus groups like Student Congress. The paper covers a wide range of campus life, including events hosted by the University Programming Board, performances at the Green Center for the Performing Arts, and games for the DePauw Tigers football team. It also reports on Greek life events, lectures by visiting speakers such as Jane Goodall or Anderson Cooper, and community service initiatives. The publication fosters a strong sense of community among its staff, who often work late nights in the Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media.

Notable alumni

Many former staff members have pursued distinguished careers in media, law, and public service. Notable alumni include Vernon A. Walters, who served as United States Ambassador to the United Nations and Deputy Director of Central Intelligence. In journalism, Ken Bode became a prominent political correspondent for NBC News and CNN, while John McWethy served as a national security correspondent for ABC News. James B. Stewart, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for The Wall Street Journal and The New Yorker, also worked on the publication. Other distinguished former staff include Judge David F. Hamilton of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and R. David Cox, former president of Methodist Theological School in Ohio. Their early experiences at the student newspaper provided foundational training for their subsequent careers. Category:Student newspapers published in Indiana Category:DePauw University Category:Publications established in 1852