William Paterson University on Monday unveiled the Herb Jackson Center for Journalism, a new dedicated newsroom space for its student newspaper, The Beacon, marking the publication’s 90th anniversary and a renewed commitment to campus journalism.

Founded in 1936, The Beacon has served as the university’s student run newspaper for nearly a century. The new center, located in the university’s Atrium, provides a permanent home for student journalists after several years without a consistent newsroom space.

The center is named for Herb Jackson, a longtime faculty adviser who played a pivotal role in shaping The Beacon and mentoring generations of student journalists. Jackson served as an assistant professor of communication and adviser to the newspaper from 1973 until his death in 1990.

Former students and university leaders said Jackson’s influence extended far beyond the classroom.

Among those students was John Byrne, a 1975 graduate who went on to become an associate editor at Forbes and editor in chief of BusinessWeek. Byrne, now chairman, chief executive officer and editor in chief of C Change Media Inc., was instrumental in funding the new space.

“I really want to thank all the editors and writers who made me feel at home when I was here,” Byrne said during the ceremony. “To me, it’s essential that journalism has a sense of community, and you cannot have community without space. When you walk in there, you feel at home, just as I did years ago.”

Byrne also reflected on Jackson’s demanding but formative mentorship.

“Those sessions with Herb, who marked up every single newspaper we produced, were intense,” Byrne said. “We made many mistakes, but it was an incredible relationship and learning experience.”

University officials said the new center reflects both the legacy of Jackson and the future of student journalism on campus.

“It is wonderful to see that the journalism career path that began at The Beacon under Herb Jackson’s mentorship has returned here today,” said Richard J. Helldobler, president of the university.

Current Beacon adviser Nick Hirshon said the new newsroom will help rebuild a sense of community among student journalists.

“You need a space where student journalists can build community together,” Hirshon said. “The Beacon has not had a home for several years. Now students can walk in and understand they are part of a newspaper with a long history and an important future.”

After a period of inactivity in 2022 and 2023, The Beacon was revitalized in spring 2025 with the support of a newly formed advisory board that includes media professionals from organizations all over.

Beacon Advisory Board

• Yelena Dzhanova, news and content strategist for Meta
• Rebecca Greene, editor-in-chief at TAPinto Fair Lawn and Glen Rock
• Issac Avilucea, reporter for Axios
• Bruce Konviser, freelance journalist
• Max Schreiber, multiplatform producer for Newsday
• Daysi Calavia-Robertson, columnist for NJ Advance Media

Alumni also praised the return of a dedicated newsroom. Colin Ungaro, a 1975 graduate and president of Ungaro and Associates, said the space will give students a stronger sense of belonging and professional development.

Student leaders credited with reviving the paper said the new center represents a milestone.

Alexander Felix, a spring 2025 graduate and former managing editor, said rebuilding The Beacon helped students develop leadership and practical journalism skills.

“We took it from nothing to something,” Felix said. “Now it has its own place, which makes it even more meaningful.”

Safa Hassan, former Editor-in-Chief and fall 2025 graduate, said the new space is a source of pride for current staff.

“Take advantage of this time,” Hassan said. “This is where you train before going into the real world.”

Journalism professor Liz Berge said the center will help students launch their careers.

“It is one of the best opportunities our students have,” Berge said. “We encourage them from day one to get involved and start building their future.”

The Herb Jackson Center for Journalism is located in the Atrium, Room 240, when you walk up the stairs to the left and includes new desks, a television, couches and other resources designed to support student media production.

University officials said the space will serve as both a newsroom and a hub for collaboration as The Beacon continues into its next chapter.