Cayuga Collegian
The Cayuga Collegian is the official newspaper of Cayuga County Community College in Auburn, New York. The publication is operated by Cayuga Community College students serving as the editors, photographers and reporters. Mary Gelling Merritt, a media professional and professor, has served as the faculty advisor since 2000.
| Type | Weekly newspaper |
|---|---|
| Owner(s) | The students of Cayuga County Community College |
| Editor | Michael Perry |
| Founded | October 31, 1953 |
| Headquarters | Auburn, New York, U.S. |
First published in October 1953 at Auburn Community College as the Auburn Collegian, the name was changed to the Cayuga Collegian when Cayuga County began to sponsor the college, which was then renamed Cayuga County Community College in 1975.
The newspaper won a first place award from the American Scholastic Press Association in the 2005-2006 National Newspaper Review. Under Josh Cradduck's tenure as executive editor and chairman, the newspaper was cited in the contest for introducing the use of color for the first time in 26 years, increasing the size of the paper from eight pages to 12 and expanding content.
The newspaper currently has over 45 awards to its name.
The Cayuga Collegian is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press.
Notable past editors
- Michael Perry, 2020-2021
- Mathew M. Kratts, 2006-2007
- Josh R. Cradduck, 2004-2006
- Veronica Beverley, 2003-2004
- Mary Lovell, 1999-2000
- Catherine Maksymiw, 1997-1998
- Scott Hesse, 1996-1997
- Trish Watkins, 1995
- Heather Rose Otis, 1994-1995
- Jeff Angus, 1993
- Sandy Kostzewa, 1991-1992
- Lisa Scialdone, 1990
- Stuart Abbot, 1986
- David Moore, 1985-1986
- Randall Hess & Mary Moore 1984-1985
- Peter Lorsky, 1983-1984
- T.D. Ford, 1982
- Betsy Anthony, 1981-1982
- Patricia Cleere, 1980
- Jim Wright, 1978
- John Schattinger III, 1976-1977
- Marcie Bannon, 1975-1976
- William (Bill) Fulton, 1974-1975
MORE ABOUT THE FACULTY ADVISOR:
Mary Gelling Merritt began her career in radio and television news working as a reporter, producer, show host, and eventually as a news executive running a television newsroom.
Celebrating her 23rd year at CCC, Merritt continues to serve as an adjunct assistant professor providing instruction for courses including Introduction to Mass Media, Print Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, and Public Address.
As a media entrepreneur, Merritt’s company —MGM Word Studio, Inc. – has worked as a local media expert serving as a public relations specialist and video producer for Unity House and the Syracuse YWCA; providing graphic design services for many businesses and schools including CCC’s Telcom Department. Merritt also served as an associate producer for a full-length documentary about Syracuse’s longest ruling mayor and convicted criminal, Lee Alexander.
As faculty advisor to The Cayuga Collegian, Merritt and the student staff of the paper have been recognized numerous times over the years with First and Second Place Awards in an annual national media review conducted by the National Association of Scholastic Press.
Merritt says her media career actually began at nine years of age when she began publishing a newspaper for the neighbors on her street called The Flower Lane Flash. She recalls a subscription for the summer was only $1.
Further reading
- Syracuse Post-Standard. "CCC Student Newspaper Wins Press Association Contest". Syracuse.com. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved June 2, 2006.