Is it driving the dialogue or gathering dust? A deeper investigation into the significance of The Anvil.
With the motto of the year being ‘engage’, there have been increasing discussions about Middlesex’s approach to engagement. Starting with the advent of the much-disdained no-phone policy, students are growing skeptical of the whole ‘engage thing’. Yet, it’s often easy to forget about the importance of other outlets for engagement, one of them being the largest campus newspaper—The Anvil. As a medium for student voice and discussion, much of theAnvil’s purpose gets lost in the heat of fanatic debate and contention. Indeed, what is the role of the Anvil? What will it look like going forward? How does it promote ‘engagement’?
The Anvil garnered its legacy and legitimacy across over a century of student engagement, now going into its 120th anniversary. Throughout the years, the paper has co-existed in contention with many other student publications including an earlier paper called The Circle. Yet, in its stand against time and turmoil, the Anvil has emerged as the most prominent student news outlet and seemingly remains uncontended. Now a hub of literary excellence and lasting history, all existing editions of the Anvil are stored in the Archives – located on the 2nd floor of the Warburg Library and set for exclusive storage use.
Currently, a number of Anvil student-staff and the student body work towards preserving the publication’s history of excellence through multiple issues across the year. Logistically, the staff is composed of Section editors, Chief Writers, Photographers, Illustrators, and lead-Editors-In Chiefs. These staff members coordinate a number of issues and events throughout the year—memorably having organized a trip to the Harvard Crimson Workshop last Spring.
Beyond offering numerous opportunities to engage in journalism, the Anvil provides a space for students and faculty alike to engage in discourse and discussion. Students pick up printed copies around campus, fill in polls, and actively write for the Anvil. Namely, the Anvil allows students not only to listen and create argumentative articles, but also to appreciate the greater diversity of voices on campus.
Similarly, Anvil serves as a platform for faculty, as they provide enthralling tales about their perspectives and outlooks through in-depth interviews. The Anvil bridges faculty and students, offering details about initiatives on campus that otherwise don’t get the publicity and nuanced discussions.
The Anvil also holds student organizations and activities accountable. A number of clubs have taken up suggestions that first appeared inin Anvil articles—namely Finance club with the prospective advent of a new vending machine and progressive management. Similarly, student advocacy and commentary on the Field House and MX Development have been factored into the school’s vision and initiatives. Undeniably, Anvil publicity and commentary have an impact on opinions and action on campus.
Most importantly, however, the Anvil always embodies a capacity for change and growth. Looking forward into the 2024-2025 school year, the Anvil plans to expand and improve even more. With plans to increase social media presence, feature videos, and introduce podcasts, the Anvil has a lot in store for its 120th year in action. Yet, amidst all the change, the Anvil will continue to serve as a space for free speech, dialogue and engagement for all at Middlesex.
Bryan Dong
Indresh Chandel