
Willamette’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1889:
Your College, Your Paper, Your Stories
THE
Awards
2025 Collegiate Newspaper Contest
(hosted by ONPA – Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association)
Best Sports Story- 3rd place

The article describes how the university's chess club has been revived after a period of inactivity. It focuses on the enthusiasm of students for chess, which was partly awakened during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The piece also features quotes from the club members and organizers, where they talk about their goals for creating a welcoming community for players of all skill levels. The meetings are described as casual but competitive. The article also talks about future plans where they plan on holding tournaments and connecting to chess clubs of other universities to foster community engagement.
Best News Story- 2nd place
The article covers the peaceful student protest of Willamette University in May 2024. The occupation was led by the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), in which students demanded transparency and urged Willamette to disclose and divest from investments related to the US defense industry. The article captured the tension and dialogue of activism and institutional accountability. The article stood out because of its clarity, good ratio of balanced sources, as well as the contribution to documenting a defining moment for student advocacy at Willamette.

Best Editorial (Opinions Story)
https://www.willamettecollegian.com/post/not-so-pretty-in-pink-why-victoria-s-secret-s-progressive-rebrand-will-never-be-successful
The article describes Victoria's Secret's 2024 attempt at a progressive rebrand after
years of controversy and scandals. Even though the brand claimed to have its fashion shows with greater diversity, inclusivity, and an all-female music lineup, the article debates that these changes feel performative than genuine. It also digs deeper into how the company's history of exploitation and body shaming doesn't align with its newfound feminist messaging, which shows her how customers see through that "woke rebrand."

Best Editorial (Opinions Story)
- 3rd place

The article describes
Best Graphic- 3rd place
https://www.willamettecollegian.com/post/opinion-indivisible-with-liberty-and-instagram-for-all-politics-in-the-internet-age

The article describes
Best Website- 3rd place