Cassandra Hagen, Features editor
The Echo is overjoyed to be celebrating its 125th anniversary on Dec. 15, and honored to have made such a milestone accomplishment.
The Echo, originally titled the Ekko, was first formed and had its first issue published in 1896 — over a century ago! Since then the publication has amassed a variety of styles and formats throughout the decades it has been weekly published, each a distinct reflection of the era in which it was in. Regardless of the changes, the Echo continues to stand as a beacon of journalistic integrity and community connection on campus.
Over the years, the Echo has stood as Augsburg’s official and only student run newspaper. However, it has not just reported events happening on campus and in the surrounding community of Cedar-Riverside, but woven itself into the very fabric of the Augsburg community. The Echo has been a witness to Minneapolis’ triumphs, trials, and transformations, and has been an integral way for students to get news and updates on relevant and current events.
As a result of the work that this publication does, since its founding the Echo has embarked on a mission to deliver insightful, accurate and thought-provoking news to its readers. Those ideals are one of the main reasons the Echo is dedicated to adhering to the goals we set for ourself, to establish community, center marginalized voices, have high journalistic standards and remain politically active.
What sets the Augsburg Echo apart from other publications is not only the student insights and interests that shape and mold the newspaper, but how these insights offer a balanced perspective on local, national and global affairs. Through the lens of Augsburg students we can see the distinct opinions, passions and ideals of the community here on campus.
As we commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Augsburg Echo, it’s not just a celebration of longevity but a recognition of the newspaper’s resilience to last throughout so much history, throughout challenges and adversity and to persevere as a permanent fixture on campus. From the printing press to the digital age, the Echo has adapted without compromising its core values, embracing technology while staying true to its journalistic ethos. Through this, we’ve even become an award-winning publication — from on-campus leadership awards to recently winning awards through the Minnesota Better Newspaper Contest.
It is truly special to be able to write for such a long standing publication, and to truly see how the goals and aspirations of many have collaborated to form such an integral club on campus today. The Echo stands as a piece of Augsburg history, and I’m excited to see what’s to come in the future.
Here’s to 125 years of journalistic excellence, community engagement, and the Augsburg Echo continuing to inform and illuminate minds for generations to come.