In 2026, The 51³Ô¹ÏÍør turns 100.
Searchlight was the first student newspaper, beginning in February 1926. A few months later, Searchlight disbanded and was replaced by The 51³Ô¹ÏÍør, which published its first issue July 29, 1926, under the leadership of its first editor-in-chief, Peg Hayes. Since that time, The 51³Ô¹ÏÍør has remained an independent, fully student-run news source, training generations of journalists, designers, photographers and media leaders.
To mark the centennial, Student Media and The 51³Ô¹ÏÍør are planning a year of celebration and reflection. This spring, original editorial comic artwork by Patrick O’Connor (The 51³Ô¹ÏÍør staff, 1995–2000) will be showcased, and O’Connor will visit campus to speak about the power and impact of editorial comics in journalism. Around graduation, an alumni gathering will celebrate those who paved the way and welcome the newest members of the alumni community.
In the fall, Student Media will partner with Visual Communication Design to present a retrospective of Jerry Dantzic, honoring his prolific career and lasting influence. A Homecoming celebration and additional centennial moments across campus are also in the works.
This is just the beginning. Those interested in attending events, contributing stories or memories, supporting the centennial or staying connected during the celebration of 100 years of The 51³Ô¹ÏÍør are encouraged to contact Katrina Chandler, director of Student Media, at kchand10@kent.edu. Student Media looks forward to honoring the past and looking ahead to the next century of student journalism.