Student-created Honors College magazine hits shelves

Fulbright firsts, teaching under a tent and virtual volunteering are just a few of the stories included in the latest edition of Youngstown State University’s Sokolov Honors College magazine, With Honors.
 
For the first time, a team of YSU honors students was involved in every aspect of the production of the magazine. 
 
“Who better to tell our stories than our students? Having them involved every step of the way adds another layer to our story and provides students with an opportunity for hands on learning," said Molly Hartup, Honors College associate director.
 
The student team includes: 

• Graphic designers - Hien (Sunny) Do, who graduated Spring 2021 with a degree in Business Administration; and Avery Jones, a junior Chemical Engineering major.
• Videographer - Scott Gregory, a sophomore Theatre Studies major.
• Student editor - Kirsten Moore, a sophomore English major.
• Photographer - Lauren Rager, a senior Anthropology major.
• Graduate assistant and publication coordinator - Presley Bowser, who is pursuing a master’s in Professional Communication.
• Writers - Corinne Daniels, a sophomore Business Administration major; Julie Centofanti, a sophomore in the YSU-BaccMed program; Rager and Moore.

 
Students have always been involved in some aspects of creating the magazine. The idea to extend existing involvement to the entire publication process came out of a new honors seminar, Magazine Editing and Production, taught by Hartup.
 
Renee Cannon, YSU senior layout design artist, mentored student designers through the layout process.
 
“There were some ideas I had that I wasn't sure I could do until Renee showed me how,” Jones said. “I also learned ways to fill unwanted areas on a page, such as excess background on image, which can be covered with another image or text. New tricks were always great to learn, and I also adopted new, fresh styles from what I had done in the past.” 
 
Embedding video content is also new to this edition. Throughout the magazine, readers will find seven QR codes that can be scanned (or clicked if reading the digital copy) to view videos that enhance the printed stories. Adding this multimedia dimension to the magazine provided additional opportunities for student learning.
 
“Through making and editing videos for the Honors college, I have increased my knowledge in many aspects of video production such as filming, sound, editing and even collaborating with others,” Gregory said.
 
Last year, the Sokolov Honors College began utilizing student talent to produce video for interactive virtual events, including medallion ceremonies in Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 and an arrival ceremony to welcome last year's incoming freshman class.