The Palladium, Troy University’s yearbook, allows students to relive each school year and shows the growth and diversity of the students.
With this in mind, the Palladium staff aims to increase the quality, maintain high expectations and performance and produce a memorable product
Davis Gamble, junior multimedia journalism major from Beauregaurd and editor-in-chief, said that the theme for this year’s Palladium is “Spirit”. He hopes to capture the idea that spirit determines unity among Troy students.
“Spirit can mean so many different things from Homecoming events, to standing up in front of a 100 person classroom, to individual style. It is about the Spirit in you that makes you a part of Troy,” said Gamble.
The Palladium page count continues to grow, due largely to the diversity represented in the book. Two years ago, the page count for the book was about 200 pages. Last year, the book that came out was 320 pages. This year the book is anticipated at 400 pages, which is equivalent to Auburn’s yearbook.
The Palladium consists of features on student life, student interest and academics; pieces on parking, housing, international and study abroad endeavors; and details more than 75 organizations.
Gamble has been a part of the Palladium for three years and said he has never seen a more hard-working staff than this year’s group.
“They are all dedicated and we work together as a team,” said Gamble.
Several additions are included in the Palladium.
A DVD accompanies the printed book at no extra cost.
It includes pictures and short snippets produced in conjunction with Trojan Vision.
Faculty pictures will be featured based on departmental divisions within their colleges.
Furthermore, band affiliated Greeks will be included in the Sound of the South section.
“The Sound of the South section is brand new and it will be beautiful, ” said Kayla Peters, a senior political science and public administration major from Pell City and design editor for the Palladium.
The theatre, art and dance categories will be morphed into a 150-page student interest section to further highlight student achievements.
Another focus of this year’s book will be on the community that campus housing encompasses.
“Dorm rooms are just like families, and we really want to get that community aspect,” said Gamble.
Currently, the Palladium costs $5 for students, which serves as a reservation fee to ensure that those who want a book are guaranteed a copy. According to Peters, the cost to print a Palladium is about $75 per book, but the student activity fee pays for 90% of that cost.
Raising the price of the book slightly has been discussed. However, Gamble and other staff members are cautious about the cost of the Palladium in relation to other student expenses and emphasize the importance of preserving the history being made at Troy.
“The Palladium is the least-expensive book a student will ever purchase at Troy University,” said Gamble.
“Ten years from now, when looking back, this is really the only source a student will have to remember their senior year or their freshman year, ” Peters said.
Copies of the 2013-2014 book are currently available in the Palladium office, located in the bottom of Wallace Hall, Room 103. Books for the 2014-2015 year are available for advanced sale. There are a limited number of copies available to students, capped at 700 for pre-order. A maximum of 750 will be printed; 50 of the copies already reserved for faculty and staff given as gifts or mementos.
The Palladium staff’s goal to sell 750 books this year accounts for 12 percent of the Troy student body. In coming years, they strive to produce 1,500 books equating about 20-25 percent of the population.
Though expectations are already set high, Gamble says that the bar will only continue to be raised.
“We are doing everything we can today to make sure we have a book tomorrow. We can’t do everything but will try our hardest to include as much information as possible” said Gamble.
The Palladium has had positive feedback, and the past two books have been the best printed in the last 50 years, according to Gamble.
“The Palladium staff has produced a wonderful keepsake for students and other members of the university community. I tell students to hold on to the memories of their college days because they will look back on them as some of the best years of their lives. The Palladium is a great way to ensure that these memories will be preserved forever, and now’s the time to reserve your copy of next year’s book” said Hawkins.
The staff aims to have 2,000 student portraits in the Palladium, grow interest and sales in the book and increase the quality of the publication for the upcoming edition.
Hundreds of students’ portraits have already been shot, but those who haven’t been photographed will have the opportunity during a spring photo day in the Trojan Center.
“We met with Chancellor Hawkins, and he reiterated how important the program is because we are documenting history for all to see in years to come, and he commended us for the work we are doing so far,” said Peters.
Students displaying Troy Spirit can use #troypalladium to post pictures on social media to be eligible for a monthly gift card and a spot in the Palladium. If you would like to be included in the Palladium, you can email your pictures Davis Gamble, editor-in-chief, at jdgamble98@gmail.com.
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