William Paterson University has officially dedicated the Herb Jackson Center for Journalism—Home of The Beacon, marking a significant milestone for the University’s nearly 90-year-old student newspaper. The new facility, located in the Atrium, was made possible by a generous donation from distinguished alumnus and former Beacon editor-in-chief John A. Byrne ’75.
The center is named in memory of the late Herb Jackson, an assistant professor of communication who served as a mentor and advisor to The Beacon staff from 1973 until his passing in 1990.
The state-of-the-art center provides a modern hub for student journalists to sharpen their skills in news production, digital media and ethical reporting. During the dedication ceremony, University President Richard Helldobler emphasized the vital role the center will play in fostering the next generation of truth-seekers.
“My hope is that this renewed appreciation for the importance of journalism… will help promote the highest level of integrity and accuracy as The Beacon staff learns the skills essential to good journalism: accuracy, fairness, context, and a willingness, indeed an eagerness, to ask the hard questions,” Helldobler said.
For John A. Byrne, the gift was a way to honor the man who shaped his career. Byrne, a titan in business journalism who has held leadership roles at Businessweek and Fast Company, recalled Jackson’s tireless dedication—specifically his habit of “red-lining” every issue of the paper to help students learn from their mistakes.
“It takes a lot of courage, patience, and diligence to nudge students to see a vision of what they can do with their lives,” Byrne said during the event. “He had a huge impact on my life, and it is great to see his name up there.”
The Beacon has been a cornerstone of campus life since its first issue on Nov. 2, 1936. Over the decades, it has evolved from covering local school dances to tackling global issues such as the Vietnam War and civil rights.
Today, under the guidance of advisor Nicholas Hirshon, the publication continues to thrive online, covering campus news, sports, and opinion. Byrne’s contribution ensures that this tradition continues in a space that reflects the digital-first reality of modern journalism.
John A. Byrne is a renowned author, entrepreneur, and the founder of Poets&Quants. Despite his global success, he has remained deeply connected to William Paterson, frequently returning to campus to guest lecture and mentor current students. His latest book, Office Intelligence, is slated for a 2027 release.
