Since 1919

The Prairie News

Since 1919

The Prairie News

Since 1919

The Prairie News

Savannah Wesley

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief

My name is Savannah Wesley and I am the Editor-in-Chief for The Prairie News. I am a broadcast journalism major and a senior from Tulia, Texas. I want to become a journalist for a major magazine or online newspaper when I earn my degree and work my way up to an editorial position.

All content by Savannah Wesley
The WTAMU Horse Judging Team won NRHA world championships and placed as reserve champion at the AQHA world competition.

WTAMU Horse Judging Team places at the top at World Championships

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
December 1, 2020

West Texas A&M University’s very own Horse Judging Team received top honors yet again at World Championships on Nov. 7 and 9, 2020, earning them both champion and reserve awards. This is an old hat...

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The Prairie News image

Two potential vaccines and Biden’s COVID-19 taskforce

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
November 17, 2020

President-elect Joe Biden named his coronavirus taskforce which includes a team of public health and science experts. This was announced that same day the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Pfzier and BioNTech...

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Many memes were posted comparing the counting times between different states, especially Nevada.

Ballot counting in the 2020 Presidential Election

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
November 10, 2020

If you followed the 2020 Presidential Election, you know that the tallying of the votes was probably one of the longest, most nerve-wracking and entertaining of recent history. Filled with frustration,...

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“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” - Jack Canfield

The Other Side of Fear: Senior Reflection

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
November 3, 2020

College was always a no-brainer to me. The fear of becoming an adult is one of the primary reasons as to why and also the fact that I was conditioned by my parents and teachers that there really was no...

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Other discography by Alexandrakis includes “I.V. Catatonic”, “9 Demos on a 4 Track”, “Here Comes the Snow” and “Christmas EP”.

Grammy nominated artist, Eric Alexandrakis, releases “TERRA”

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
October 27, 2020

Grammy nominated artist, Eric Alexandrakis, released his newest album titled “TERRA.” This double album of 28 songs is the perfect listen for those who enjoy eclectic alternative music. “‘Terra’...

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Communication Department Head Dr. Trudy Hanson set to retire from WTAMU

Communication Department Head Dr. Trudy Hanson set to retire from WTAMU

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
October 20, 2020

Dr. Trudy Hanson, department head of the Department of Communication at West Texas A&M University, has completed 31 years of academic service and will be retiring this year. Hanson began teaching as...

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Students will have the chance to learn how to make “yummy” mocktails as part of safe alcohol consumption promotion.

“Cheers to Mocktails” event to be hosted to promote awareness of safe alcohol consumption

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
October 13, 2020

Love the idea of bartending but don’t want to spend the money on alcohol or just don’t like to drink? WT Health and Wellness Promotion is partnering with PULSE Peer Educators to put on a virtual event...

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Being an essential worker during the pandemic is hard enough but what about those that are also college students.

Being an essential worker while attending college

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
October 6, 2020

The struggles of being an essential worker during the pandemic is well documented but what about essential workers that are also students at colleges like West Texas A&M University and Amarillo College?...

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Get to know the candidates of the 2020 presidential election

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
September 29, 2020

With the 2020 elections coming up, it can be difficult or even tiring to do a deep dive research into the presidential candidates so here is a quick rundown of former Vice President Joe Biden and incumbent...

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Dancing with the Stars premiered their first episode of season 29 on Sept. 14, 2020.

DWTS brought glitz, glam and glitter at a safe social distance

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
September 22, 2020

Dancing with the Stars came back for its 29th season and brought along with it a new set of stars and some new changes made to set. To help prevent the spread of coronavirus, audience seating was taken...

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[Video] Coming back to school amid COVID-19

Jonah Dietz, Senior Reporter
September 18, 2020

“Your engagement in—and outside the classroom is key to the ultimate college experience,” says the official West Texas A&M University website, as it describes how its faculty are always looking...

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Floor stickers are one of the various ways the WTAMU is encouraging social distancing on campus.

Op/Ed: The problem with food service lines in the JBK

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2020

West Texas A&M University has done very well with implementing guidelines preventing the spread of coronavirus and encouraging students to follow them, but one problem area they seem to have forgotten...

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Step 2: Fill out sections 1-4. This is personal information such as your name and address.

How to apply to vote by mail

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
September 10, 2020

For the 2020 Elections, many states are offering voters the option to vote by mail in light of the pandemic. Texas is one of six states that are not allowing their citizens to vote this way with a...

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Shuttle Services was almost cut from WTAMU this year due to budget cuts mandated by the state but was taken over by Panhandle Community Services and is here to stay.

Community partnership saved shuttle buses

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
September 8, 2020

With the budget taking a state-mandated hit from the effects of COVID-19, Shuttle Services was going to be cut from West Texas A&M University, forcing commuter students who park at the First United...

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30th anniversary of WTAMU becoming part of the TAMU system

30th anniversary of WTAMU becoming part of the TAMU system

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
September 1, 2020

Sept. 1, 2020 serves as the 30th anniversary of West Texas A&M University joining the Texas A&M System. A virtual celebration is taking place on the WTAMU website and features messages from Chancellor...

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Texas Intercollegiate Press Association was formed in 1909 and has been serving collegiate student journalism since its formation.

WT media students earn seven TIPA awards in 2020

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
April 26, 2020

Media students at West Texas A&M University earned seven awards from the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA) in the Previously Published category. “I’m beyond thrilled that I along...

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Allyson Sadegur will be studying business in Grenoble, France in fall 2020.

WTAMU student receives scholarship to study in Grenoble, France

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
April 19, 2020

Allyson Sadegur, a junior international business major at West Texas A&M University, has earned a scholarship from Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) to go to Grenoble, France to study business. “This...

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WTAMUs Student Government announced on Instagram that Seth Rodriguez and Kylie Scott will be the successors of Student Body President Colton Bourquin and Vice President Scout Odegaard.

Student Government announces new President and Vice President

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
April 12, 2020

Seth Rodriguez is a junior, political science major with a minor in communications and will be serving as student body president in fall 2020. "I am very excited to step into this position and start working...

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As a journalist, working at home only have a few downsides but I am still capable of doing my job.

A reflection on working from home as a college student

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
April 5, 2020

People are going to hear and read a lot of testimonials on working at home, trying to get the kids to do their homework and the overall struggle that is being quarantined. Well, this one isn’t going...

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On March 13, WT Theatre posted this notice to their Facebook page 10 days after the first rehearsal for Kiss Me, Kate, which has been postponed until fall 2020.

The effect of large gatherings being prohibited on campus

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
March 29, 2020

West Texas A&M University is known for its community feel and hands-on classes meant to cater towards a more effective learning environment. However, in order to comply with the 10 person limit gathering...

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Diversity Ambassadors mission is to represent the Office for Diversity and Inclusion and help with campus-wide involvement.

Diversity Ambassadors serve as “change agents” of the university

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
March 15, 2020

The Office for Diversity and Inclusion has enlisted Diversity Ambassadors to serve as “change agents” that are dedicated to developing diversity programs and being liaisons to university committees...

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According the the WTAMU website in a study done in Fall 2018, about 81% of students live off campus.

Dealing with landlords and adjusting to living out of the nest

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
March 8, 2020

This past month and a half I have been dealing with a rather unruly landlord, as it typically goes for people looking to rent an apartment or house. Usually, it’s an emergency plumbing problem, the central...

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Non-profit buys books for kids

Non-profit buys books for kids

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
March 1, 2020

Pennies for Literacy is a campaign run by non-profit organization Give More HUGS (GMH) that aims to provide children with resources and facilitate a positive learning environment at Title I elementary...

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Walk Across Texas is an event held to encourage students to live a healthier life.

Students encouraged to “Walk Across Texas”

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
February 23, 2020

Students have the chance to put all their steps to use by participating in “Walk Across Texas”, a health encouragement walking challenge put on by WT Health and Wellness Promotion and Residential Living. “Walk...

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The food for the COMM-edy event was southwest style breakfast burritos (or tacos if youre from down south).

COMM Week 2020 – Breakfast for Dinner

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
February 20, 2020

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WTAMU students enjoy Breakfast for dinner in overflow in FAC 177.

[Photo]

WTAMU students enjoy Breakfast for dinner in overflow in FAC 177.

(From left to right) Freshman agricultural education major, freshman agricultural business and economics major Brenley von Reyn and freshman agricultural education major Makenzie Knipe attended COMM Weeks Breakfast for Dinner event in the Live Lounge.

[Photo]

(From left to right) Freshman agricultural education major, freshman agricultural business and economics major Brenley von Reyn and freshman agricultural education major Makenzie Knipe attended COMM Week's...

The event was held in the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex in the Live Lounge.

[Photo]

The event was held in the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex in the Live Lounge.

Students enjoyed southwest style burritos.

[Photo]

Students enjoyed southwest style burritos.

Fruit salad was a popular item at Breakfast for Dinner which was held at 6 p.m.

[Photo]

Fruit salad was a popular item at Breakfast for Dinner which was held at 6 p.m.

Student signed in before enjoying the breakfast buffet.

[Photo]

Student signed in before enjoying the breakfast buffet.

Friends and classmates leave messages for the family of Deja and Abanney Matts.

The importance of being active participants in campus safety

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
February 16, 2020

Feb. 3, 2020, Deja and Abbaney Matts were victims of a domestic violence-related shooting in Pride Rock Residential Hall at Texas A&M University-Commerce. A candlelight vigil was held for the sisters...

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This gray fox was found napping in a tree outside one of WTAMUs buildings and some students are able to capture this animal on video having a peaceful rest.

What does the fox read?

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
February 9, 2020

Earlier in the semester, I received an email from Dr. Trudy Hanson, Head of the Department of Communication, about a potential story for The Prairie News to cover. In Hanson’s email, she told me about...

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There is a limited amount of handicapped parking available on campus.

Services offered to students with disabilities on campus

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
February 3, 2020

According to the Office of Student Disability Services’ webpage on WTAMU’s website, “In addition to serving as an advocate for students with disabilities, the office also works very closely with...

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Listed are the rates for residential halls on WTAMUs campus ranging from $3950-$7680 a year.

Perceptions of living on campus

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
January 26, 2020

Living on campus can have many upsides such as the sense of belonging in a community, having a source of food within walking distance and being independent while still being supported by the Residential...

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Illustration by Savannah Wesley/The Prairie News

Is Chick-fil-A changing their tune?

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
December 3, 2019

Everyone loves a good spicy chicken sandwich, especially those of us here at West Texas A&M University who often frequent the Chick-fil-A satellite in the Jack B. Kelly Student Center. Chick-fil-A...

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Savannah Wesley/The Prairie News
The Gallery of Excellence is displayed in the Cornette Library next to the circulation desk.

Nine faculty and staff honored at 2019 Gallery of Excellence

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
November 19, 2019

The 27th annual Gallery of Excellence featuring award-winning faculty and staff was held Thursday, Nov. 14 in the James and Mary Elizabeth Cornette Library. These honorees are then featured in the...

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Illustration by Savannah Wesley

Free Speech Zones

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
November 12, 2019

Interpretation of freedom of speech often leads people to think that they can say whatever, whenever, and wherever they want and however they want to. Contrary to that belief, there are limitations...

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Freshmen Vendie Endres, advertising and public relations major, and Cassidy Schnieder, agricultural media and communications major, presented their artifact, the curling iron.

Artifacts COMM Alive during Family Weekend at the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
November 5, 2019

Artifacts COMM Alive is an event that takes place every fall during West Texas A&M University’s Family Weekend in which students present an artifact to the public. “Of the selection, [the...

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Savannah Wesley/The Prairie News

How to stay safe and warm during the winter

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
October 29, 2019

Panhandle weather is commonly known for its temperamental and sometimes unpredictable stages so it is important that students be aware of how to plan for colder weather to avoid accidents due to snow and...

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The unsung heroes of our collective learning space

Jonah Dietz, Senior Reporter
October 29, 2019

The custodians at West Texas A&M University are some of the unsung heroes of our collective learning space; quietly, stoically and proficiently making sure our floors are mopped, our bathrooms...

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Graph courtesy of WTAMU Office of Diversity and Inclusion webpage displaying the ethnicity statistics of students as of fall 2018.

‘Groundbreaking’ findings at WTAMU about Hispanic Serving Institutions and their students

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
October 22, 2019

‘Groundbreaking’ findings about Hispanic Serving Institutions and their students and how these findings can be used were presented Thursday Oct. 17.  According to the Hispanic Association for...

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Photo Courtesy of The Prairie News Staff
(Left to right) Advisor Dr. Nancy Garcia, Senior Reporter Jeffrey Williams, Sports Editor Alyssa Gonzales and Features Editor Savannah Wesley at the EIJ National Conference in the Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Antonio, Texas.

Reflections on Excellence in Journalism Conference

On Sept. 5 through 7, The Prairie News Staff attended the Excellence in Journalism 2019 Conference for the first time that was held in San Antonio, Texas. Advisor Dr. Nancy Garcia, Sports Editor Alyssa...

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The evolution of The Prairie: From print to web

The evolution of The Prairie: From print to web

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
October 21, 2019

On October 20, 1919, the first edition of The Prairie was published at what was then West Texas State Normal College. The newspaper was four pages long, published twice a month, mostly text based and featured...

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Start By Believing is a program used by WTAMU to assist those who have suffered from domestic violence.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month at WTAMU

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
October 15, 2019

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and West Texas A&M University provides resources, supported by https://www.paultolandlaw.com/domestic-violence/ to those who want or require assistance...

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Our Town brought to WTAMU

“Our Town” brought to WTAMU

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
October 8, 2019

“Our Town”, a play released in 1938 by Thorton Wilder, gives the viewer insight into the lives of what was considered a simple time and is one of the productions featured at West Texas A&M University...

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[Video] WTAMU celebrates Diversity Week

Alyssa Gonzales and Jeffrey Williams
September 27, 2019

The sound of drums filled the air as Diversity Week began on Monday, Sept. 23.  Students gathered as members of Sacred Circle Amarillo celebrated the Fall equinox and performed a Native American drum...

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Being a full-time student and an employee

Cost of tuition is still on the rise, according to the College Board’s 2018 report on Trends in College Pricing. This could be a potential concern for students pursuing higher education and may...

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Dr. Emily Kinsky, associate professor for the Department of Communication was named an Adobe Education Leader.

Dr. Emily Kinsky named Adobe Education Leader

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
September 19, 2019

Dr. Emily Kinsky, associate professor of the Department of Communication, was named by the Adobe Education Team as an Adobe Education Leader (AEL). “It means a lot to me, because I use this program...

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[Video] A momentous occasion

Ceasar Escalante, Senior Reporter
September 17, 2019

A Naturalization Ceremony took place at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum’s  Hazelwood Lecture Hall on this past week, culminating the naturalization process for more than 71 individuals from...

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Buff Branding ceremony commences with spirit rally teaching the incoming freshmen the basics of being an active Buff. Aug. 23, 2019.

Incoming students learn the basics of being a buff

As another semester begins, a slew of new baby buffs have made their way to West Texas A&M’s campus. Along with them are several upperclassmen that are returning to start a new year.  “I...

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Photo Courtesy of YourLocalSecurity.com
Out of 41 colleges, WTAMU was named the second safest campus. Listed are the top 10 safest campuses in Texas.

WTAMU named second safest campus in Texas

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
September 3, 2019

On August 20, Your Local Security released a report revealing West Texas A&M University as the Second Safest College Campus in Texas. “To help future college students make safety-driven decisions,...

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Esteban Ponce/the Prairie
Dr. Eric Meljac brings a whole new perspective to finding the hidden meaning as an illusionist and magician.

Beyond the 9 to 5: metaphors and magic

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
April 18, 2019

Students may find literature confusing enough, but Dr. Eric Meljac brings a whole new perspective to “finding the hidden meaning” as an illusionist and magician. “[Meljac] has an amazing energy...

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Photo Courtesy of Career Services
Student Employment Week is a campus wide celebration of student workers at WTAMU.

WTAMU Student Employment Week 2019

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
April 17, 2019

Student Employment Week (SEW)  is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the student workers across the university for all their hard work throughout the year. Student employees are large contributors...

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Savannah Wesley/thePrairie Students were able to choose what type of succulent and take them home.

[Photo] OSEL encouraged students to create their own terrariums

March 27, 2019

Savannah Wesley/thePrairie Students were able to choose what type of succulent and take them home.

Esteban Ponce/the Prairie
Biochemistry professor Dr Nick Flynn teaches at WTAMU and appreciates his hobby of homebrewing and the chemistry that goes into the practice.

Beyond the 9 to 5: beakers and brewskies

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
March 27, 2019

Chemistry and brewing go hand in hand, and Dr. Nick Flynn, professor of biochemistry at West Texas A&M University participates in the hobby of homebrewing. “As of 2017, there are an estimated...

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(From Left to Right) Vice President Scout Odegaard, Chief Justice Colton Bourquin, and President Elise Tolley.

The role and impact of Student Government

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
March 7, 2019

Student Government takes action on concerns students have and has a large impact as to what is going on at West Texas A&M University. “We are elected officials who represent each and every...

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Student creating layout for newspaper on computer.

Challenges faced in journalism

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
February 22, 2019

Today’s general public may be unaware of the challenges of journalism and the fact that professional journalists abide by a code of ethics that ensures a free exchange of accurate and fair information. “Most...

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Photo by Savannah Wesley/the Prairie
Students would partner up with one wearing noise cancelling headphones and try to guess the phrase their partner was saying.

COMM Week 2019 Game Show

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
February 18, 2019

2019 Communication Week was kicked off by the annual Game Show. This year is themed “COMM Factor” where students can “imagine a world where their greatest hopes become reality.” Students competed...

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Seek Then Speak implemented on WTAMU campus

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
February 6, 2019

West Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) is taking a new approach to reporting sexual assault crimes using the program offered by SeekThenSpeak.org. "We want [victims and survivors...

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Student Press Freedom Appreciation

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
January 30, 2019

 Everyone is aware of others wanting to express their right to free speech in protests, on social media and in the press however, not everyone might know what that entails. The freedom of speech is...

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Expect VERO center to open in August of 2020

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
January 23, 2019

WTAMU student population expected to continue to increase with the addition of new Veterinary Education Research and Outreach center (VERO) in 2020 attracting current and future pre-vet majors. “Over...

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Review on “A Star is Born”

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
November 30, 2018

Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut moves audiences with his rendition of “A Star is Born” featuring himself and popular musician Lady Gaga. ‘Marvelously unexpected’ is a way to describe the...

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Members of Spectrum during one of their weekly meetings. Meetings are 7 p.m. Thursdays in the Classroom Center Room 335.

[Photo] LGBTQ members speak out about community

Allegra Mora, Senior Reporter
November 28, 2018

Members of Spectrum during one of their weekly meetings. Meetings are 7 p.m. Thursdays in the Classroom Center Room 335.

WTAMU forensics team showed their appreciation for the McKee family at the endowment reception.

Pak-A-Sak gifted Forensics team $100,000

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
November 26, 2018

The McKee family donated $100,000 to establish the McKee Forensics Scholarship Endowment, which will provide financial support to the students on the West Texas A&M University forensics team. The gift...

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Is Nike Inc. capitalizing on past controversy?

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
October 21, 2018

“Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything” was displayed on an image of former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick for Nike’s 30th anniversary “Just Do it” movement.  Mostly...

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WTAMU is put on the map by the opening of the New Agricultural Sciences Complex and celebrated by the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Open House.

WTAMU opens new Agricultural Sciences Complex

Savannah Wesley, Former Editor-in-Chief
September 21, 2018

Good fortune showered on West Texas A&M University on Friday, Sept. 7, just like the much needed rain that fell during the ribbon-cutting ceremony that celebrated the opening of the new Agricultural...

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The lights are up as the movie ends and audience applauses.

[Photo] GALLERY: Communication week 2018

February 19, 2018

The lights are up as the movie ends and audience applauses.

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