West Liberty, W. Va., September 11, 2025 – West Liberty University’s student-run newspaper The Trumpet, has returned to print for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, with a special issue highlighting top stories from the 2024-25 school year.
The “Best of 24/25” issue features 12 color pages. It includes stories written by students about campus events such as Topper Idol, the 48-Hour Film Festival, the Hilltop Players’ production of “Little Women,” Drag Bingo, and the 2024 Topper Thrift fashion show. The print edition also features a profile of Assistant Professor of Graphic Design Jared Thompson, along with a photo gallery, a “Trumpet Trivia” crossword, and a QR code where readers can access more stories on the Trumpet’s website.
The Trumpet has been a digital-only publication since the pandemic, and the special print issue is a milestone for the newspaper staff.
“I am extremely proud of the work the Trumpet team has done to not only put together this special edition, but to promote and grow the Trumpet’s presence on West Liberty’s campus,” said Dr. Cecilia Salomone, assistant professor of communications and faculty advisor to the Trumpet. “We have a small team, but they are enthusiastic, dedicated, and work extremely well together. I think this print issue is proof of that.”
The special issue was designed by Rayane Jebahi, an international student from Tunisia who studied art and illustration at West Liberty during the 2024-25 school year and who completed a design/illustration internship with the Trumpet. Jebahi created a new mascot for the Trumpet as part of his internship, Tippy the Bear, who is featured prominently throughout the special print edition.
“Creating this print edition has been both fun and rewarding,” Jebahi said. “Seeing Tippy come to life with the team was a highlight, and we’re excited to share our work and continue growing with the Trumpet.”
Stories were selected from the Trumpet website for the special issue by editor-in-chief Matty Lamp and managing editor Ellie Matheny.
“It is incredibly rewarding to see our vision finally on paper. It’s our first print edition since COVID, which everyone is very excited about, and we worked really hard for months to put together the best representation of what the Trumpet has to offer,” said Lamp, a Media Communications major. “I’m very proud of everyone involved for making this happen, and I hope people on campus pick up a copy and read the work of our talented writers!”
Contributing writers in the “Best of 24/25” issue are Lexee David, John George, Carson Howard, Trinity Howard, Ellie Matheny, David Wiselka, and Mat Wright. Many of these students were enrolled in COM 231 (News Writing and Reporting) or COM 339 (On-Campus Journalism Internship) and wrote for the Trumpet as part of those courses. Contributions to the Trumpet are open to students from all majors and disciplines.
“We had been planning for a while to finally bring back the print edition, and seeing it come to life again has been so exciting,” said Matheny, an English Literature major. “The Trumpet team worked very hard over the summer to put this all together and are so excited for you all to see. We hope you all enjoy what talented work these writers and everyone involved have decided to share!”
Copies of the special issue are available in various locations on campus, including the Fine Arts Building and the Elbin Library. Copies were also distributed at the Organization Fair on Sept. 3. Stories from the special issue can also be viewed online at TheTrumpetWLU.org.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.
Media Contact
Theresa Gretchen
West Liberty University
tgretchen1@westliberty.edu