On Feb. 28, more than 100 Miami University alumni representing seven decades gathered in the Shriver Center to celebrate 200 years of independent, student-produced journalism at The Miami Student newspaper. These alumni were joined by dozens of current TMS members, along with Miami faculty and staff. The turnout was so large that event planners moved Saturday\u2019s program to a larger space a few days earlier.<\/p>\n
Throughout the day, alumni spoke with reverence and pride about their time at The Miami Student and how their undergraduate experiences shaped them personally and professionally. As they shared their stories, it became clear the impact and legacy of their work extended well beyond individual anecdotes or experiences.<\/p>\n
That is, after all, what journalists do best: serve something bigger than themselves. They serve the public through fearless reporting that holds decision-makers accountable, while also celebrating the successes and achievements of their neighbors.<\/p>\n
Without local journalism like that produced by TMS for 200 years \u2014 and counting \u2014 the fabric of our campus community frays. To me, that seems worth celebrating well beyond a single day in late February.<\/p>\n
Joe Sampson\u00a0<\/p>\n
Senior Clinical Lecturer \u2014 Miami University Journalism Program<\/p>\n