Des Moines Mayor Highlights Community Collaboration and Student Engagement

BREAKING NEWS: des Moines Mayor Traci Buxton has lauded the exceptional level of inter-organizational cooperation and communication within the community, emphasizing its strength in recent initiatives.

In an exclusive interview, Mayor Buxton expressed her admiration for the seamless collaboration between various entities, stating, “Just so many organizations working together.They all seem to communicate really well.” This sentiment underscores a foundational element of successful civic projects and community development.

Evergreen Insight: Effective communication and collaboration among diverse organizations are not merely operational efficiencies; they are critical drivers of community resilience and progress. When entities align their efforts and share information transparently, they can address complex challenges more effectively, leverage resources efficiently, and build a stronger, more cohesive social fabric. This approach fosters trust and shared purpose, which are invaluable assets for any community navigating change or pursuing collective goals.

Looking ahead, Mayor Buxton conveyed a strong desire to foster deeper connections wiht local educational institutions and their students.”We love to partner with the college and the students,” she remarked. “Any opportunity we can develop, or work for the students to come down and learn, help out or support them. It is fantastic.”

Evergreen Insight: Investing in the engagement of students with their local government and community organizations is an investment in the future. Providing opportunities for hands-on learning,mentorship,and civic participation not only enriches the educational experience for students but also cultivates a sense of civic responsibility and empowers the next generation of leaders and community contributors. Such partnerships can bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application, fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry.

How has the content of the *Thunderword* reflected changes in student demographics and societal trends since 1969?

Highline college’s Thunderword Newspaper: A Student Voice Since 1969

The History of the thunderword

Highline College’s student newspaper, the Thunderword, has been a vital part of campus life since its inception in 1969. Originally conceived as a platform for student expression and campus news, the Thunderword has evolved alongside the college itself, reflecting changing student demographics, academic focuses, and societal trends. Early editions, archived in the Highline college Library, showcase coverage of the Vietnam War protests, burgeoning environmental awareness, and the evolving landscape of higher education. The newspaper’s name, Thunderword, was chosen by a student vote, aiming to represent a powerful and impactful voice for the student body.

Content & Sections: What You’ll Find in Each Issue

The Thunderword consistently delivers a diverse range of content catering to the Highline College community. Key sections typically include:

News: Covering campus events, administrative updates, and local community happenings relevant to students. Expect reporting on student government, college policies, and vital dates.

Features: In-depth articles exploring student profiles, faculty spotlights, and unique aspects of Highline College life. These often delve into student experiences and perspectives.

Arts & Entertainment: Reviews of local concerts, movies, and art exhibits, alongside features on student artists, musicians, and performers. This section highlights the creative talents within the college.

Sports: Reporting on Highline College athletic teams, game results, player profiles, and coverage of intramural sports.

Opinion: A space for students, faculty, and staff to share their perspectives on current events, campus issues, and broader societal topics. Editorials and letters to the editor are common features.

Lifestyle: articles focusing on student health, wellness, financial advice, and navigating college life.

Getting Involved with the Thunderword

The Thunderword is entirely student-run, offering numerous opportunities for Highline College students to gain valuable experience in journalism, photography, graphic design, marketing, and leadership.

Writing: Contribute articles on topics you’re passionate about. No prior experience is necessary – the Thunderword provides training and mentorship.

Photography: Capture campus events and create visual content for the newspaper and its online platforms.

Editing: Hone your editing skills by reviewing and refining articles for clarity, accuracy, and style.

Design & Layout: Utilize graphic design software to create visually appealing page layouts.

Advertising & Marketing: Promote the thunderword and secure advertising revenue.

Leadership roles: Positions like Editor-in-chief, section Editors, and Business Manager offer opportunities to develop leadership and management skills.

To learn more about joining the Thunderword team, visit their office in Building 9 or check the Highline College website for contact details and upcoming meetings. Student journalism,campus newspapers,and college media are excellent resume builders.

Thunderword Online Presence & Accessibility

The thunderword isn’t limited to print. It maintains a robust online presence, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience.

Website: The official Thunderword website (https://thunderword.highline.edu/) hosts current and archived issues, as well as individual articles.

Social Media: Follow the Thunderword on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates, breaking news, and behind-the-scenes glimpses.

Digital Archives: Past issues are digitally archived, providing a valuable resource for researchers and those interested in the history of Highline College.

Impact & Recognition: The Thunderword‘s Role in the Community

The Thunderword has consistently played a crucial role in fostering a sense of community at Highline College. It provides a platform for diverse voices, encourages critical thinking, and promotes civic engagement.

Award-Winning Journalism: The Thunderword has received numerous awards from organizations like the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) recognizing excellence in student journalism.

Campus Advocacy: The newspaper has often served as a catalyst for positive change on campus, bringing attention to student concerns and advocating for improvements.

Real-World Experience: The Thunderword provides students with practical, hands-on experience in journalism, preparing them for careers in media and communications.

Resources for further Exploration

Highline College Library Archives: Explore historical issues of the Thunderword and other college publications.

Student Activities Office: Learn about other student organizations and activities at Highline College.

Society of professional Journalists (SPJ): Discover resources for aspiring journalists and media professionals.

College Media Association (CMA): Connect with other student journalists and media advisors.