A Deep Dive Into Journalism at Centenary: 126 Years and Counting!

Centenary has changed over the years, switching from an all-women’s institute to a co-ed college, and now a university. Years go on and social trends change, but there has been one constant on Centenary’s campus: student journalism. 

Centenary's Archives, located in the lower level of Taylor Memorial Library (TML), holds past publications created by previous students showcasing their journalism style and how it’s changed over the years. The Archive stores pieces of Centenary history - from newspapers to tea sets and old boardroom tables to yearbooks - dating back to the university’s creation in 1867. 

As technology advances, TML has created a digital collection of the Archives. Student and alumni publications, as well as university yearbooks, are available on the website. 

Student Publications: A Long History

The Hackettstonian (1889-1912)

A student journal from 1889 to 1912, The Hackettstonian, is the oldest student publication held in the Centenary Archives. Students wrote stories, news, essays, and other pieces, and were awarded academic prizes for their writings by faculty and staff. 

For a mere $1.50 a year or $0.20 per issue, students could purchase a subscription or individual copies. As early as 1889, writers expressed their desire to write for their community.

According to the paper’s editorial staff in 1889, “The Hackettstonian goes forth for the first. We have long felt the need of a school paper, but for some unknown reasons the matter has never before been brought to an issue,” said the editorial staff. “Our first efforts may be crude, but we shall send forth our best efforts from month to month, hoping that each succeeding month will bring us nearer the goal of our efforts.” 

The Scroll (1874)

Centenary’s first student newspaper, titled The Scroll, consisted of only one issue on December 15, 1874. 

“It is the first official publication Centenary released to the public, introducing the school and what it stands for,” said Victoria Ramsay, Centenary’s part-time archivist and librarian. 

“The Scroll’s one issue–published December 15, 1874–was sold for 5 cents a copy. It details the creation and history of the Centenary Collegiate Institute, with explanations of the classes, chapel exercises, locations on campus, social clubs, and lists of faculty and trustees.”

“There were also essays written by the students on ‘The True Aim of Life’ (being good and doing good), exams being over, and Santa Claus, as well as President Whitney's inaugural address. It seems like it was mostly intended to be an advertisement for the school and cover the details of the semester. It is mentioned in the paper that the next issue was intended for March 6, 1875, but we have no evidence of it actually being published,” said Ramsay.

“The Diokosophian Scroll, a literary journal by the Diokosophian literary society, was picked up in 1879 with essays and reports of school happenings by female students and continued until 1883.”

Spilled Ink (1933-1977)

A student newspaper from 1933 to 1977, Spilled Ink, included student art on the covers of some issues. It was available to the Centenary community through a subscription of either $0.60 a semester or $1.00 a year. 

The newspaper contained articles written similar to current day: editorials, campus news, and student activities. Research revealed that our current April Fool’s issue is deeply rooted in Centenary journalism history as Spilled Ink did a similar publication in 1941. 

“Laughs are the stimulants which keep this old world from disintegrating,” said editorial writer Janice Bowman in 1941. Within this issue, the newspaper was partially printed upside down; the silly confusion that inspired present day The Cyclone Chronicle’s April Fool’s Day articles.

A 1960 issue showcased how Centenary used to hold a "candlelight graces table” for Thanksgiving. 

“Another phase of the Centenary tradition will be the annual Thanksgiving candlelight dinner in the dining room this evening at the usual time. Faculty and staff will join the student body in giving thanks,” said the editorial staff in 1960.

Prism (1968-2015) (2026)

A student literary magazine from 1968 to 2015, Prism, included creative arts such as poetry, prose, art, and photography. It is being brought back to publication in 2026 by Alexis d’Ambly, editor-in-chief of The Cyclone Chronicle, and Dr. Erica McCrystal, Centenary’s English program director. 

The Quill (1981-2019)

Much like today's The Cyclone Chronicle, The Quill student newspaper was run as a class in the communication department. Professor Deb Lev was the face of Centenary student journalism for 28 years—during which time she also served as adviser of The Quill--until her retirement in 2018. The newspaper, which was available in print, included editorials, campus and world news, artwork, features, and creative writing.

Campus lore says that The Quill met its demise after running an unfavorable story about the financial health of the University and admin did not look favorably on this. The truth probably lies somewhere between fact and lore. Sadly, The Quill ended after  Professor Lev's retirement in 2018 when no one else stepped up to lead the possibly maligned student publication.

The newspaper contained news, including world issues. Two issues covered important world events that impacted the community: 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. These are two examples of life-defining moments, as people remember where they were or what they were doing when such tragedies occur. 

In the October 2001 issue, the editorial staff and students shared their thoughts on the 9/11 tragedy. 

“Dozens of flags hung on cars, in homes, and outside on lawns. This not only made America feel proud, but it also pulled together many races,” said Katie Larson in 2001. 

“It was a devastating tragedy for the greatest city in the world, and now it is time for the greatest country in the world to step up. This will be George Bush's defining moment as a president,” said Chris Demarest, marketing and management senior in 2001. 

In the February 2006 issue, the editorial staff wrote about Hurricane Katrina and its impact on the community. 

“This past January, 120 students, faculty, and staff from Centenary College as well as Drew University traveled down to the Gulf Coast to help rebuild Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans and its surrounding areas,” said Megan Sweeney, editor of The Quill in 2006. “This special edition issue of The Quill was created as a way to immortalize the experiences of this group of volunteers.” 

“Hurricane Katrina killed my dad and my sister and I was sad. Three days later my mom had a heart attack and I was crying. I was thinking she died. She came home. I screamed 'Mom!' I hugged her tight. I liked my city. My city was fun.” said MaryLyn Hyams, a young child who wrote in a student journal telling her story of Hurricane Katrina which was picked up by The Quill.   

The Cyclone Chronicle (2023-present)

Centenary’s current online student newspaper is The Cyclone Chronicle. It was created as a class project by eight would-be student journalists in Experiential Writing, taught by Professor Janet Zatta, and saw its first publication in December 2023.

The Cyclone Chronicle student newspaper continues today under the advisement of Zatta and boasts 24 student journalists, as well as a course name change to Newspaper Production Studio. 

“As an independent student newspaper, The Cyclone Chronicle strives to provide the University community with new, relevant and insightful information that inspires critical conversation,” reads The Cyclone Chronicle’s website. 

The Cyclone Chronicle functions as a newspaper staff with an editor’s board and staff writers. Students pitch and write articles, balancing the many aspects of campus life including news, features, theater, film, music, video games, food, books, sports, editorials, and op-eds. 

This class is offered for either two credits once a week, four credits twice a week, or as a club with no credits. 

Feel free to check us out next semester!