The paper chase

In a year filled with change and new challenges, college newspapers across the country continue to work through times of sickness and health to inform and hold accountable their universities and local communities.

The coronavirus pandemic has changed many aspects of daily, social and academic life, but Penn State’s student journalists at the independent student run paper, The Daily Collegian, continue to prove their dedication to their craft.

Their work during this time is not without its mental, emotional and physical tolls, however they strive to remain a reliable constant in their community, all while balancing their roles as full-time students, friends and family members.

Managing Editor Lindsey Toomer goes over edits to a page design with reporter Justin Morganstein, left, and Football Editor Benjamin Ferree.

Managing Editor Lindsey Toomer goes over edits to a page design with reporter Justin Morganstein, left, and Football Editor Benjamin Ferree.

Assistant News Editor Grace Miller at work during the paper's print night on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020 in The Daily Collegian's office in State College, Pa.

Assistant News Editor Grace Miller at work during the paper's print night on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020 in The Daily Collegian's office in State College, Pa.

Sports Editor Jake Aferiat checks Assistant News Editor Megan Swift’s temperature as she enters The Daily Collegian’s office. As part of the Collegian’s fall coronavirus protocol, all staff members entering the office must sign in and have their temp

Sports Editor Jake Aferiat checks Assistant News Editor Megan Swift’s temperature as she enters The Daily Collegian’s office. As part of the Collegian’s fall coronavirus protocol, all staff members entering the office must sign in and have their temperatures checked.

Beat editors leave and enter Managing Editor Lindsey Toomer’s office to have their pages reviewed during the paper’s weekly print night.

Beat editors leave and enter Managing Editor Lindsey Toomer’s office to have their pages reviewed during the paper’s weekly print night.

Lindsey Toomer, managing editor at The Daily Collegian, waits tables at her part-time job at the Federal Taphouse on Friday, Jan. 29, 2021 in downtown State College, Pa. With the coronavirus pandemic keeping restaurants at partial capacity and State

Lindsey Toomer, managing editor at The Daily Collegian, waits tables at her part-time job at the Federal Taphouse on Friday, Jan. 29, 2021 in downtown State College, Pa. With the coronavirus pandemic keeping restaurants at partial capacity and State College’s lack of its usual fall football traffic, Toomer has experienced many nights of meager tips over the past year.

A group of The Daily Collegian’s editors get together for a game night at Sports Editor Jake Aferiat’s apartment.

A group of The Daily Collegian’s editors get together for a game night at Sports Editor Jake Aferiat’s apartment.

Sports Editor Jake Aferiat checks his phone while heating up food in his kitchen during a game night with other editors from The Daily Collegian at his apartment.

Sports Editor Jake Aferiat checks his phone while heating up food in his kitchen during a game night with other editors from The Daily Collegian at his apartment.

Assistant Sports Editor Gianna Galli waits in line to order at Five Guys before beginning work for The Daily Collegian’s print night.

Assistant Sports Editor Gianna Galli waits in line to order at Five Guys before beginning work for The Daily Collegian’s print night.

Sports reporters Evan Patrick, left, and Justin Morganstein, right, check in at the media entrance of Beaver Stadium and have their temperatures checked before Penn State football’s game against Michigan State on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020. Due to the c

Sports reporters Evan Patrick, left, and Justin Morganstein, right, check in at the media entrance of Beaver Stadium and have their temperatures checked before Penn State football’s game against Michigan State on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020. Due to the coronavirus, no fans are allowed at games, tailgating around the stadium is prohibited and all media must follow strict spacing and health protocols while at games.

Rebecca Marcinko, one of The Daily Collegian’s lifestyle editors, reads the instructions for conducting the nose swab for rapid student coronavirus testing in the Hintz Family Alumni Center on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021 in University Park, Pa.

Rebecca Marcinko, one of The Daily Collegian’s lifestyle editors, reads the instructions for conducting the nose swab for rapid student coronavirus testing in the Hintz Family Alumni Center on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021 in University Park, Pa.

Digital Managing Editor Shane Connelly rests on a couch in The Daily Collegian’s office.

Digital Managing Editor Shane Connelly rests on a couch in The Daily Collegian’s office.

Sports reporter Evan Patrick walks to the Bryce Jordan Center to cover a Penn State men’s basketball game on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020 in University Park, Pa. Following Penn State’s Thanksgiving break, most students have attended classes and activities re

Sports reporter Evan Patrick walks to the Bryce Jordan Center to cover a Penn State men’s basketball game on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020 in University Park, Pa. Following Penn State’s Thanksgiving break, most students have attended classes and activities remotely, but some of The Daily Collegian’s reporters still work and report in State College.