Celebrating a ‘Century of Journalism’

Student reporters reveal new logo

Amber Taylor

February 28, 2025

The Trailblazer student news organization recently unveiled a new logo to celebrate a Century of Journalism at Vincennes University. Student reporters, led by advisor and Assistant Professor of Journalism Jenny McNeece are planning a special print edition for this spring as well as a social media campaign to highlight important headlines from the past as well as journalism alumni.

After 100 years, the VU Trailblazer news organization has gotten a new look thanks to one of VU’s very own graphic design students.

On Feb. 17 in the Shake Library Resource Center’s Starbucks café, The

The Trailblazer Advisor and Assistant Professor of Journalism Jenny McNeece (left) recognizes graphic design student Caroline Booe for submitting the winning design in the Century of Journalism logo contest. The unveiling was held during a brief ceremony on Feb. 17 at Shake LRC. (Amber Taylor)

Trailblazer advisor and Assistant Professor of Journalism Jenny McNeece alongside student reporters and faculty with the College of Social Science, Performing Arts and Communication hosted “Honoring a Century of Journalism,” the highlight for which was the unveiling of a new logo.

The new logo was created by graduating Graphic Design Occupational major Caroline Booe as part of a contest held last fall.

“A lot of our projects are work we do for real clients – cards, holiday videos – and so this was just another assignment we had,” Booe said.

Booe designed the logo as a student in VU’s Art and Design Departement Ron Wise’s Graphic Design/Visual Communications II class that met during the Fall 2024 semester.

“We like doing a variety of projects for people, and I think that the fact that it’s commemorating 100 years of The Trailblazer was a substantial milestone and a good project for the students,” Wise said.

Booesaid she knew immediately that she wanted to include a torch in the logo design, “to help tie in the VU theme.”

Booe’s logo, which incorporated a torch, the number 100, and “a century of journalism,” offers symbolism that signifies The Trailblazer’s continuous efforts to light the way as “torchbearers of truth and freedom of the press,” Booe said.

“I think that incorporating the torch represents enlightenment and I think that’s what journalism does,” Wise said. “It gives us light on subjects so that we can be informed.”

At the unveiling, McNeece honored Booe for her winning design with a plaque and short appreciation speech.

In a press release issued by the university, McNeece said, “this celebration honors The Trailblazer’s past, and the new logo represents the next chapter in The Trailblazer’s history.”

Though nervous, Booe beamed with pride as she received her plaque and posed for photos.

“I was happy,” she said, “this is one of our projects that was more permanent, so I feel a little bit proud of myself.”

Booe said that after graduation in May, she plans to move to West Virginia to look for freelance work with a friend.

“Believe in yourself,” she says to her fellow students. “This is my second year here and I feel like sometimes it is discouraging, but you have to keep going and know that you’ll have your moment eventually.”

VU students, staff, and faculty can look forward to a special print edition of The Trailblazer coming this Spring and can visit www.vutrailblazernews.com to read all current news. People can also find them on Instagram @vutrailblazernews100.