In a year filled with change and new challenges, college newspapers across the country continue to work through times of sickness and health to inform and hold accountable their universities and local communities.
The coronavirus pandemic has changed many aspects of daily, social and academic life, but Penn State’s student journalists at the independent student-run paper, The Daily Collegian, continue to prove their dedication to their craft.
Their work during this time is not without its mental, emotional and physical tolls as they strive to remain a reliable constant in their community, all while balancing their roles as full-time students, friends and family members.
~by Lily LaRegina
Managing editor Lindsey Toomer goes over edits to a page design with reporter Justin Morganstein, left, and football editor Benjamin Ferree.
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Assistant news editor Grace Miller at work during the the paper’s print night on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020 in The Daily Collegian’s office in State College, Pa.
Sports editor Jake Aferiat checks assistant news editor Megan Swift’s temperature as she enters The Daily Collegian’s office. As part of the Collegian’s fall coronavirus protocol, all staff members entering the office must sign in and have their temperature checked.
Beat editors leave and enter managing editor Lindsey Toomer’s office to have their pages reviewed in The Daily Collegian’s office during the paper’s weekly print night.
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Sports editor Jake Aferiat checks his phone while heating up food in his kitchen while talking with other editors from The Daily Collegian from his apartment.
Assistant sports editor Gianna Galli stopped at Five Guys for dinner before beginning work for The Daily Collegian’s print night.
Sports reporter Evan Patrick walks to the Bryce Jordan Center to cover a Penn State men’s basketball game on December 6th. Following Penn State’s Thanksgiving break, classes have moved fully on online and many students have left the area, but some of The Daily Collegian’s reporters still work and report in State College.
Digital managing editor Shane Connelly rests on a couch at The Daily Collegian’s office.
The Daily Collegian is a student-run news outlet at Penn State. The staff produces a print edition as well as a daily website. The pandemic has reduced the twice-weekly printed newspaper to once-a-week for the foreseeable future.
Lily LaRegina is a staff photographer for The Daily Collegian and a journalism major in the Donald P. Bellisario Colllege of Communications at Penn State.
~12.08.2020