Indiana University School of Journalism

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Photo by Chris Pickrell

From left, Valerie Aquila (B.A.J. ‘04), Susan McGlocklin and senior Sara Amato chatted in the IDS newsroom during SPAA’s first event.

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A sense of nostalgia engulfed Ernie Pyle Hall Sept. 26 as about 40 student publications alumni met for the first gathering of the newly-formed Student Publication Alumni Association.

Ranging from recent graduates to those who now are retired, the alumni spent the weekend reminiscing and reconnecting during the first SPAA event.

The group’s organizers formed SPAA in June in order to bring together alumni who had worked at the Arbutus, Indiana Daily Student or other student publications. They set up the weekend activities, including a reception, tailgate party before the IU-Michigan State game and brunch at the IMU Tudor Room.

During the Friday reception, alumni looked around Ernie Pyle Hall, including visiting the IDS newsroom and Arbutus offices.

“My husband, Jim, and I both were journalism students here,” said Sue Hetherington, B.A. ’53. “While he was the campus editor, I focused on general news. This place has certainly changed by leaps and bounds. If feels great to come back."

Judy Kaine, a School of Education graduate in 1968, said she was closely attached to Arbutus while at IU. “I want to see how Arbutus looks and feels now," she said.

Photo by Chris Pickrell

Robyn Holtzman, B.A.J. ‘96, is one of the organizers of the new group.

Robyn Holtzman, B.A.J. ‘96, worked on the IDS. She said though the basic structure of the newspaper had not changed, “the pattern has definitely changed.”

Holtzman is one of the SPAA organizers, along with Olivia Silver, B.A.J. ’00, and Joe Vince, B.A.J. ’97.

At the reception, Dean Brad Hamm and Student Media Director Ron Johnson spoke to the crowd. Johnson pointed out the efforts made by each member involved.

"I am glad to see all the ex-IDS and Arbutus gathered at the association meet today and I look forward to more participation from your end in the future," he said.

Photo by Kurtis Beavers

The Saturday tailgate event provided another chance for old friends, such as Steve Hadt, B.A.J. ‘00, and Olivia Silver, B.A.J. ‘00, to reconnect.

The alumni gang caught up Saturday for the tailgate party, flowing in ones and twos, and sporting IU gear. Steven Hadt, B.A.J. ‘00, said the different majors, backgrounds and life experiences make student publications the learning tools they are. He and others talked about the benefits of a group such as SPAA.

"Unfortunately, too many of us lose touch after leaving Bloomington,” he said after the weekend. “It was fun to reminisce about the long hours, deadlines and the incredible work we did. One of the best feelings was reliving the camaraderie we had every night in the ‘back shop.’"

Organizers say the association will soon roll out other activities. For more information on SPAA, e-mail Rachel Knoble.