Production of the State Hornet soon will be focused on a digital-only product, the latest advancement during the publication’s 70 years at Sac State. (Photo courtesy of the State Hornet)

The State Hornet, a University institution with long-held traditions as well as aspirations to be part of a cutting-edge future, is celebrating its 70^th anniversary in a big way.

The publication has been a campus watchdog, as well as an occasional thorn in various sides since its first edition on Jan. 14, 1949. It has celebrated Sac State accomplishments, called out injustices and played a significant role in chronicling the rhythms of the University and its community.

Most of April and early May will hold celebrations of the Hornet’s longevity and impact, featuring historical looks at the publication’s accomplishments, as well as some light-hearted consideration and social gatherings, culminating with a gala Saturday, May 4. A significant number of State Hornet alums and friends of the paper are expected to attend.

University President Robert S. Nelsen has offered his perspective on the Hornet’s place in Sac State’s development as an anchor institution in the region, as well as an important source of information.

“Journalism is at the heart of a healthy democracy, and I am proud of the work of the State Hornet reporters over the past 70 years,” Nelsen said. “Their efforts to bring a student voice to issues facing our campus and community are to be commended.”

He also noted the publication’s transition from a print-only publication to a modern news organization utilizing several digital platforms. The final print edition is scheduled for publication Wednesday, April 24.

“Despite tremendous changes within their field, they have been impressively nimble in order to continue bringing quality stories to the campus community,” Nelsen said. “I wish the State Hornet 70 more years of excellence.”

Journalism Professor Phillip Reese, who before becoming an educator was a longtime writer specializing in statistical reporting for the Sacramento Bee, said the Hornet’s impact is significant.

“The Hornet remains the primary source of news for students on campus,” Reese said. “You can see that when you look at its internal traffic numbers. The Hornet is getting a lot of readers. It's also growing its presence on social media, so when something big happens, you can often find a robust discussion about it on the Hornet’s Facebook page.”

The first celebration of what College of Arts and Letters Dean Sheree Meyer is calling State Hornet Month was scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, when the publication was to host its second State Hornet Trivia Night at Round Table Pizza, featuring Nelsen as a special guest question master.

These events are scheduled to follow:

5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 4: An archival exhibition organized in conjunction with the spring Festival of the Arts will be held at the Donald and Beverly Gerth Special Collections and University Archives featuring “The State Hornet: The First 70 Years,” a retrospective showing highlights from throughout the publication’s time at Sac State.

3 p.m. Thursday, April 11: Open house for the State Hornet’s remodeled newsroom in Del Norte Hall.

Wednesday, April 17 (tentative): Best of Sac State mixer, celebrating honorees of the State Hornet’s “Best of Sac State” issue.

Monday, April 22: State Hornet alumni panel discussion.

April 29-May 3: Brown-bag speaker events with State Hornet alums discussion journalism and communications careers.

Friday, May 3 (time, location TBD): State Hornet alumni mixer.

7 p.m. Saturday, May 4: State Hornet 70^th Anniversary Celebration and Alumni Reunion at the Leslie and Anita Harper Alumni Center, featuring dinner, speakers and special guests.

Reese points to the Hornet’s digital presence as a boon to outreach and re-establishing contact with former staff members.

“One of the cool things about the new digital landscape is that alumni can keep up with news on campus in the same way they did when they were students here – by reading the Hornet,” Reese said. “That's one of the reasons why it will be great to see so many alumni at the upcoming gala.”

Faculty advisor Stu VanAirsdale said he considers the State Hornet “A lot more than just the ‘student newspaper’ at Sacramento State,” calling it a “living history.”

“It’s a real-world training ground for students starting out in journalism and media, many of whom have gone on to some of the world’s preeminent media organizations,” VanAirsdale said. “As an alumnus myself, I couldn’t be prouder or happier about the State Hornet’s legacy, or more excited about its future at our dynamic campus.”

Tickets are on sale for the May 4 celebration and reunion. Cost is $40 per person. Tickets can be purchased online, as well as at the door the day of the gala for $50.

More information can be found online and on the State Hornet Alumni Facebook page. – Brian Blomster