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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

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 10, 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,...

Journalists Push Students to Revive the Beacon

Journalists Push Students to Revive the Beacon

Alexander Felix, Managing Editor December 22, 2024

Journalists from Axios, Meta, NJ.com, and NPR told student journalists during a recent campus discussion that writing for the Beacon can sharpen their critical thinking skills and lead to job opportunities....

From "Very Positive" to "Very Hesitant," WP Grapples with AI

From “Very Positive” to “Very Hesitant,” WP Grapples with AI

Susmita Majumder, Reporter December 20, 2024

As artificial intelligence becomes mainstream, faculty and students at William Paterson are grappling with how to respond.  Multiple studies have found that AI use by college students has increased...

WP Professor Elected President of New York Journalism Group

WP Professor Elected President of New York Journalism Group

Susmita Majumder, Reporter December 15, 2024

Bijan Pulley called him "a great leader." Alexander Felix described him as "a mentor in every sense of the word." Rochelle Estrada said he was "an essential part of my success." These students traveled...

Reporters Share Trump-Era Fears in Panel Organized by WP Professor

Reporters Share Trump-Era Fears in Panel Organized by WP Professor

Susmita Majumder, Reporter December 5, 2024

Political reporters opened up about their fears for press freedom in a second Donald Trump presidency during a panel in Manhattan on Monday, Dec. 2, organized by a William Paterson professor. A month...

Festive Food, Prizes on Tap for Holiday Celebration

Festive Food, Prizes on Tap for Holiday Celebration

William Gifford, Reporter December 4, 2024

Hamilton Hall is about to become a winter wonderland. A first-of-its-kind holiday dinner will spread cheer on Friday, Dec. 6, at 5 p.m., with a potluck dinner, student-produced films, and a creative...

New York Times Editor Encourages "Mile-Deep" Knowledge

New York Times Editor Encourages “Mile-Deep” Knowledge

Elias Vela, Reporter December 1, 2024

A New York Times editor encouraged student journalists at William Paterson to adapt to the changing media landscape by becoming passionate storytellers in specialized fields during a recent campus visit. Christopher...

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