'Howler' looks forward to concert, all-color book

By Allyson Diljohn
Contributing Reporter

The Howler yearbook's 100th birthday isn't the only thing the editorial staff is celebrating these days.

The Howler recently acquired a new publishing contract, a state-of-the-art office and is in the midst of planning its centennial bash.

The yearbook's new contract, signed with Taylor Publishing Company of Dallas, Texas, will result in the publication of an all-color book. With the new publishing company the yearbook will also be able to use an entirely digital production process for the same price as the former contract.

According to senior Alan English, Howler editor in chief, the decision to switch to the new company was made because Taylor is the leader in digital production. The yearbook has been using digital production for the past three years. The contract also came with an ,000 signing bonus which was spent on new equipment.

"This is a benchmark year for us," English said. He mentioned that the organization is said to be on the "leading track" of university yearbooks by publishers and is looking to win numerous awards for layout and design this year.

The 2002 Howler will be the 100th edition of the book. To commemorate the anniversary, several events have been planned that coincide with this year's Homecoming festivities.

The yearbook was originally named after a tree used to post announcements at the old campus, and as a part of the celebration a new "Howler" tree will be dedicated at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 11 in front of Reynolda Hall. According to English, the yearbook was given final approval Sept. 25 to dedicate one of the trees directly in front of the building.

"(The tree) 'howled' out the news," freshman Bethany Novak, organizations editor, said.

Book distribution will take place following the tree dedication, on the Mag Quad between 5 and 7 p.m. Student bands are scheduled to perform during the book distribution.

The day's events will conclude with a concert in Wait Chapel at 7:30 p.m. Virginia Coalition will be opening for the band Nine Days. Tickets are for students and for non-students, and will go on sale at the Benson University Center ticket office starting Sept. 25.

The Howler office, Benson 500, was also recently remodeled. In the past, the editor's space within the yearbook office occupied essentially half of the total office space.

The separation resulted in a cramped working environment for the 40 Howler staff members, so it was decided to have the wall removed.

The new office "completely changed" work and production within the office, acording to English. "We have an area where the whole staff can work in a common space" he said.

In addition to having more available space in the office, some of the best photographic work of the staff is now on display in the office, enabling the staff to see each other's work.

The remodeled office also provides room for the new equipment that was purchased. "We probably spent in excess of 20 to 30,000 dollars on new equipment," English said.

The new equipment includes three new computers, six digital cameras and new desks, among other things.

"The book is going to look far superior than what it has looked like in the past, especially with all the color pages," freshman photographer Jack Raffetto said.

According to senior John Bruns, photography editor, the new equipment, specifically the cameras, allows the yearbook staff to maximize the number of photographers sent to each assignment.

More available equipment means more good photographs that will end up in the book, giving the experienced staff members a greater "potential to educate" the newer members of the staff.

Many Howler staff members are excited about the changes being made to the yearbook.

"I think this is going to be a really good year because of all of the changes we're making" sophomore Erin Owens, academics editor, said.