October 15, 2015 

 

Contacts:

University Relations, 657-2266 – Story by Blair Koch
The Retort, 657-2193

 

On Friday, The Retort will hold an open house from 5-7 p.m. at its office in SUB 220.
Refreshments will be served and the event is free.

 

Devon Sutton

The Retort Editor Devon Sutton poses in the MSUB campus newspaper office. After nearly two years, the paper is once again publishing.

 

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — After a nearly two-year-long hiatus the student newspaper The Retort is back to being the voice of MSUB. The paper published its fourth edition on Tuesday.

With the support of ASMSUB, Editor Devon Sutton and faculty advisor Joy Barber have orchestrated its comeback.

"Everybody has been very supportive in bringing back The Retort," Sutton said. "That's been nice because we really want to be the most effective paper for the campus and students."

As an Associated Students of MSUB senator last year, Sutton saw how communication could be improved between students and campus organizations through a newspaper and got to work in reviving the publication.

"We wanted to bring back a product to be proud of," Sutton said, adding that campus and community news will be featured in the weekly newspaper, as well as special events, art and photography.


Sutton was able to convince the AMSUB to fund the paper once again. City College English Professor Joy Barber is the paper's advisor and The Retort has two additional staffers in addition to Sutton.

AMSUB President Sonja Choriki said she's excited to see what The Retort does this year. She said it's important for the paper to be in publication, "because it gives a voice to the campus and records our history from the students perspective."

This year, AMSUB expects the paper to build a solid foundation for a successful future, which includes building an online presence and increased social media engagement.

"We believe they are going to surpass our expectations," Choriki said.

Sutton is hopeful, too. She began planning to bring the paper back to life last spring and spent hours cleaning the paper's office and getting things like office equipment and furniture ready in preparation for incoming staff.

Additionally, paid freelance writing opportunities are available for students and the paper is actively soliciting story pitches.  Local businesses will soon have opportunity to advertise in The Retort as well.