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William Paterson University's Official Student-Run Newspaper

The Beacon

William Paterson University's Official Student-Run Newspaper

The Beacon

William Paterson University's Official Student-Run Newspaper

The Beacon

“Major” Panic? Why Navigating Your Academic Path Isn’t a One-Shot Decision

“Major” Panic? Why Navigating Your Academic Path Isn’t a One-Shot Decision

Elias Vela, News Editor March 27, 2025

Take introductory courses before committing to your major. Work campus jobs to build your skills. Be fearless when you’re networking. These are some of the tips that students shared during a recent...

The Beacon Lanza Una Sección en Español: El Faro

The Beacon Lanza Una Sección en Español: El Faro

Alexander Felix, Managing Editor March 13, 2025

Por primera vez desde su lanzamiento en 1936, The Beacon contará con una sección en español, idea cultivada por el director editorial, Alexander Felix con la ayuda de la editora en jefa en español,...

The Present State of Higher Education

The Present State of Higher Education

Dane Sutherland, Assistant News Editor March 8, 2025

A burning question for many students, at all college levels is "How can I maximize my financial aid opportunities?" - especially when there are growing uncertainties among both students and professionals...

Beacon’s Exclusive Interview with WP Police Director

Beacon’s Exclusive Interview with WP Police Director

Safa Hassan, Editor in Chief March 1, 2025

William Paterson’s police director acknowledged in an exclusive interview with the Beacon that some students come to campus with “preconceived notions about who we are and what we do,” and hoped...

Five Years In, WP’s Media Literacy Program Looks to Expand

Five Years In, WP’s Media Literacy Program Looks to Expand

Elias Vela, News Editor March 1, 2025

In March 2020, just before COVID-19 changed everything, Neil Grimes walked into an elementary school classroom in Paterson with a children's book tucked under his arm. As the curriculum materials librarian...

WP Dining Accommodates Muslims as They Fast for Ramadan

WP Dining Accommodates Muslims as They Fast for Ramadan

Tommy Sherwood, Sports Editor February 28, 2025

William Paterson University Dining Service plans to have an event for Ramadan at all dining locations on campus.  What is Ramadan?  Ramadan (also spelled Ramadhan) is the ninth month of the Islamic...

President Helldobler's Statement on DEI

President Helldobler’s Statement on DEI

Sara Birns, Managing Editor in Training February 25, 2025

The university's president, Richard Helldobler, sent a letter on Monday addressing concerns about recent executive orders and federal directives. President Helldobler assures students and staff that “what...

Despite Federal Push Against DEI, William Paterson's Black History Month Events Continue

Despite Federal Push Against DEI, William Paterson’s Black History Month Events Continue

Elias Vela, News Editor February 25, 2025

William Paterson's Residence Life is moving ahead with Black History Month events, even as universities across the country scale back diversity programming in response to recent federal directives, and...

WP Sees Hope in Enrollment Numbers

WP Sees Hope in Enrollment Numbers

Elias Vela, News Editor February 11, 2025

William Paterson University reported significant enrollment gains in its online and adult programs, with undergraduate online enrollment surging by over 1,300% since 2021, reaching 1,012 students. The...

Pictured, left to right: Ujunwa Ike '25; Dr. Nicholas Hirshon; Alexander Felix '25; Julia Menn '28; Reverend Al Sharpton; and William Gifford '28

An Evening with Reverend Al Sharpton: Journalism, Justice, and the Power of Voice

Alexander Felix, Managing Editor February 10, 2025

As he took his seat, I realized how unique this event was. Reverend Al Sharpton. Students had gathered for this discussion from all around the tri-state area on this frigid Friday evening.  With a...

Defining DEI Amid the Reagan Airport Tragedy

Defining DEI Amid the Reagan Airport Tragedy

Alexander Felix, Managing Editor January 31, 2025

In light of the horrendous and tragic plane crash outside of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday, DEI has made its way back into the spotlight.  So, what does this term that is–in...

Jimmy Carter, peanut-farming president, dead at 100

Jimmy Carter, peanut-farming president, dead at 100

Alexander Felix, Managing Editor December 29, 2024

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States whose vision for a “competent and compassionate” government shaped his presidency and his long post-political life as a humanitarian advocate,...

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