Lasso editor in chief Luis Rendon says it’s an “amazing feeling” for the Texas Woman’s University student newspaper to be approaching its 95-year milestone.

Although the university no longer has a journalism department, students have continued to publish the weekly paper, which was known as the Lass-O until 1986.

“There were times we didn’t think we would make it,” Rendon said. “There was a whole semester where we didn’t have an adviser. It’s cool that the students, with no formal training, could sustain the paper.

“We make lots of mistakes, but that’s how we learn. And the good outweighs the bad when we see the final product.”

TWU began phasing out its mass communications program amid budget cuts in 2002. The newspaper was housed in the School of Library and Information Studies until 2006, when it moved to its current home under the English, Speech and Foreign Languages Department.

The paper published weekly until 1945, and then was printed four times a week until 1993. It went bi-weekly until adopting its current weekly format in 1996, publishing on Thursdays.

Students and faculty are supportive of the paper, though Rendon said the staff does feel pressure from the faculty from time to time on some content.

“Overall, we get the sense the Lasso is important,” he said.

The paper is a vital part of the campus as a student voice, since the university lacks other media outlets like radio or television stations, Rendon added.

The Lasso’s 18-member staff is made up of students from several different majors who all possess an interest in honing their writing skills. At an open house Thursday to celebrate the 95th anniversary, staff members touted changes that have been made to improve the paper in recent years.

“The style is sharp and young, even compared to last year … fresher,” said Angela Greco.

“It speaks on how the university is changing. It’s more than a girls-only college newspaper,” Victoria Romo said. “It’s a way for students to know what’s going on in a condensed version and caused students to get involved when otherwise they wouldn’t.”

Staff members mentioned the paper has drawn attention for its coverage of issues such as sorority hazing and budget concerns.

Rendon said the staff has come together like a family to continue to print the paper.

The editor in chief, who plans to graduate in May, said the Lasso has a strong future ahead.

“I’ve seen us grow,” he said. “Where we are now, there is no going back. The staff and university won’t let us go back.”

BJ LEWIS can be reached at 940-566-6875. His e-mail address is blewis@dentonrc.com.