The Varsity (newspaper)
 | |
| Type | Weekly newspaper |
|---|---|
| Format | Compact |
| Owner(s) | Varsity Publications |
| Editor | Alex Mckeen |
| Founded | 1880 |
| Language | English |
| Headquarters | 21 Sussex Ave., 2nd floor, Toronto, ON, M5S 1J6, Canada |
| Circulation | 20,000 |
| ISSN | 0042-2789 |
| Website | thevarsity.ca |
The Varsity is one of the main student newspapers of the University of Toronto. In publication since 1880, it is the second-oldest student newspaper in Canada, and with a weekly circulation of 20, 000 copies is one of the largest student newspapers by distribution, in North America.
The paper publishes weekly during the university semesters and online throughout the year. Originally a broadsheet daily, it now issues in compact form. The paper focuses on campus affairs and issues directly relevant to all U of T students. The major sections are news, comment, science, arts, sports, and features.
The Varsity usually assumes a left-of-centre stance on political affairs. The paper is published by Varsity Publications, a not-for-profit corporation, and is primarily financed by advertisement revenues with subsidies from student levy.
History
At the height of debate on coeducation in 1880, The Varsity published an article in its inaugural issue voicing in favour of admitting women.[1]
In 1895, the suspension of The Varsity's editor, James Tucker, led Latin Professor Dale to publicly attack the administration in The Globe, which in turn led to his own dismissal.[2] University College students then approved a motion by Varsity staff member William Lyon Mackenzie King and boycotted lectures for a week. This is significant for William Lyon Mackenzie King's involvement as a member of the Varsity editorial staff and student leader. He would later become Canada's longest serving Prime Minister.[3][4]
After Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau decriminalized homosexuality in 1969, a medical research assistant placed an advertisement in The Varsity seeking volunteers to establish the first university homophile association in Canada.[5]
Notable past staff
- Barbara Amiel, journalist, Maclean's columnist, socialite, spouse of Conrad Black
- Peter Gzowski, broadcaster and reporter, host of CBC's Morningside (1982–1997)
- Michael Ignatieff, public intellectual, academic at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Member of Parliament, and former Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada
- Michael Kesterton, columnist for The Globe and Mail
- William Lyon Mackenzie King, 10th Prime Minister of Canada
- Mark Kingwell, professor of the University of Toronto, senior fellow of Massey College
- Naomi Klein, journalist, author of No Logo and The Shock Doctrine
- David Megginson, computer software developer
- Graham F. Scott, managing editor of Canadian Business
- Dennis Choquette, national editor of The Globe and Mail
- Linda McQuaig, Toronto Star columnist
- Tom Walkom, Toronto Star columnist
- Bob Rae, Rhodes Scholar, 21st Premier of Ontario, Member of Parliament
- Edward Roberts, 11th Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Frank Shuster and Johnny Wayne, comedians, best known for the comedy duo Wayne and Shuster
- Isabel Vincent, journalist for the National Post, former correspondent for 'The Globe and Mail
- Clive Thompson, journalist and science and technology writer for Wired (magazine)
- Conan Tobias, editor of Taddle Creek
- Jason Szep, Pulitzer Prize winner and International Affairs Editor with Reuters
Masthead
- Editor-in-Chief: Alex Mckeen
- Managing Editor: Jaren Kerr
- Managing Online Editor: Jacob Lorinc
- Creative Director: Mubashir Baweja
- Design Editor: Vanessa Wang
- Senior Copy Editor: Ariel Gomes
- News Editor: Tom Yun
- Comment Editor: Teodora Pasca
- Features Editor: Rachel Chen
- Arts & Culture Editor: Lisa Power
- Science Editor: Shaan Bhambra
- Sports Editor: Sean Smith
- Photo Editor: Nathan Chan
- Illustration Editor: Elham Numan
- Video Editor: Shaq Hosein
Business Staff
- Business Manager: Parsa Jebely
- Associate Business Manager: Cherlene Tay
- Advertising Executive: Michelle Monteiro
Board of Directors
- Joshua Oliver, Chair
- Alexander Wolff Marshall, Treasurer
- Zaigham Ali, Secretary
- Alex Mckeen, Editor-in-Chief
- Hussein Fawzy, Director
- Abdulla Omari, Director
- Sheng Chu, Director
- Jade Colbert, Appointed Director
- Tom Cardoso, Appointed Director
See also
References
- ↑ "What was front page news in the inaugural issue of the student paper The Varsity in 1880?". History Q & A. University of Toronto Department of Public Affairs. 2002. Retrieved 2007-07-19.
- ↑ Q&A: What made the "blood fairly boil" in U of T student and future prime minister William Lyon Mackenzie King in 1895?
- ↑ "What made the "blood fairly boil" in U of T student and future prime minister William Lyon Mackenzie King in 1895?". History Q & A. University of Toronto Department of Public Affairs. 2002. Retrieved 2007-09-24.
- ↑ Marshall, David B. (2000). "Dale, William". Dictionary of Canadian Biography. Retrieved 2009-02-28.
- ↑ Bébout, Rick (January 2000). "Conception & birth". On the Origins of the Body Politic. Retrieved 2009-02-28.
