Staffers at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s student newspaper, the University Times, will host a special open house in their Journalism Lab located on the first floor of Normal Hall on Thursday, April 30, from 4 to 6 p.m. to celebrate both their brand new Web site and their first year in their new Journalism Lab. The campus community and public are invited to attend this free event. There will be refreshments and a surprise or two.

The University Times has been published on campus for more than 20 years. Last fall, big changes happened for the paper – most significantly, the University welcomed Dr. Jacqui Lowman as a new Assistant Professor of English and asked her to develop a journalism and mass media concentration, which would include overseeing the student newspaper as adviser and developing connections with the University’s radio station, local media, and the community. A new Journalism Lab was set up in Normal Hall to provide Dr. Lowman and the U Times staff with more space and the technology needed to put together their newspaper and oversee their new web presence.

Since then, the U Times has published 12 issues, established several new columns, and developed connections with several local high schools that has provided opportunities for students to publish their work in the college paper.

“Thanks to amazing support from the campus and greater community, it’s been an incredible year for the U Times,” Lowman said. “Our dedicated staff has accomplished so much: and the best is yet to come! Please stop by to meet our staff members, celebrate their achievements and let us thank you for all your help. This is your paper: you’re the reason for what we do.”

Friends, supporters, the campus, and community are encouraged to stop by the Journalism Lab in Normal Hall, Room 102, anytime between 4 and 6 p.m. to view the new space and chat with the U Times’ staff and adviser. Ideas and feedback are welcome. For more information about this event, call 768-9745.