What is The Ampersand?

The Ampersand is the biannual, student-produced publication of Webster University, funded by the School of Communications. Focused on student life, the magazine has a circulation of 1,500 to 2,000 issues which are enjoyed free of charge by students, faculty and staff. The magazine is distributed at the end of each semester. In addition to the content created by the staff of students enrolled in the class, the magazine features a section called The Gallery, which showcases creative work by select students of Webster University.

Mission Statement

The Ampersand should represent Webster’s shared culture and highlight the common ties of the worldwide Webster community. The magazine should act as a channel for expressive thoughts, focus and ideas for the St. Louis campus in a lasting and memorable fashion.

Evolution

In 2002, several students discovered an issue of the 1970s Webster College Non-Yearbook. They were inspired by the unstructured, artistic publication and set out to re-establish the publication.

After countless planning, a Media Topics class was established in spring 2003 for the creation of a unique publication. Its goal was not only to serve as a reminder of the semester, much like a yearbook, but to also be a compelling read, much like a magazine. Aiming to incorporate other students in The Ampersand’s creation, the staff solicited creative contributions, giving the publication a literary magazine and coffee table book feel. The staff of five produced the first issue of The Ampersand, a 76 page black and white issue, in only four weeks.

Over the next few years, the staff grew and the design and content evolved. With the fall 2004 issue, The Ampersand entered a new year with the addition of color to its design. The spring 2005 magazine won several national awards, including first in cover design and first for its contents page design by the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) and the College Media Advisers (CMA). The magazine also won the coveted Gold Crown by Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA). After 13 popular issues, The Ampersand has become an integral part of Webster University’s future — and an apt record of its past.