'Varsity News' to move to renovated space
The Varsity News is coming home. Currently, University of Detroit Mercy's nearly 90-year-old student newspaper lacks a dedicated production facility, but change is on the way. The newspaper will be housed in the new Neal Shine Media Center on the top floor of the Jane and Walter O. Briggs Building.
Computer-generated rendering of proposed Neil Shine Media Center
The Center is named for Neal Shine '52, former publisher of the Detroit Free Press and former adjunct communications faculty member in the College of Liberal Arts and Education (CLAE), who will host a springtime dedication of the new facility.
Work has already started on the space renovation. An office, archive and conference room will be relocated to accommodate the new VN space, and one wall will be removed to open the space up for the newsroom. A door will be cut into another wall to create a combination reception area and business office, directly connecting to the newsroom.
According to CLAE Dean Charles Marske, "A working laboratory will replace the old space. Updates include 12 new computers, fax machines and a large new layout area. The space will also hold a separate editorial office." Other facility improvements changes include a new ceiling, lighting, painting and electrical wiring.
The VN's new home is becoming a reality thanks to departmental efforts and a campaign spearheaded by devoted VN alumni. UDM graduates Dale Jablonski '65, Suzanne Rabideau '66, Andy Acho '63, and Ron Thayer '62 hope to raise $40,000 for the Center.
"Right now, work on the VN is only offered as a directed study for journalism students through the Communication Studies department," says Craig Farrand, VN advisor. "Consequently, staffing is low on the paper. At present, the paper's budget only covers the cost of printing biweekly. The campaign funds are intended to provide a first–class journalism lab for the VN, and it is anticipated that this will help increase the size of the staff as well."
The fund-raising efforts are as emotional as they are practical. All committee members speak fondly of their VN Days. More than creating a cohesive production environment, the group says, they want to share their VN experience with current and future students. "It was more than a newspaper," says Thayer. "It was camaraderie and late hours, and memories we'll have forever."