There is a new journal on campus, or rather, an old one. The Wren Journal first came into existence in 2021, promising a paper that stood on the same bedrock principles that made our civilization glorious: moral conviction, free expression, and a bold pioneering spirit determined to settle a grand future. The Wren Journal broke its way into the scene, garnering an abundant following and widespread recognition within the William and Mary community. Its rapid success was a resounding statement: the traditional values and high editorial standard of the Wren Journal were in demand. Yet tragically, with the departure of an editor-in-chief who could only be called brilliant, the Wren Journal faded away without the bold vision of its founders.
What did not fade away, however, were the principles behind the publication. They never did, and that is because they never can. They are undying, and will always put life back into the platforms that proudly acclaim them. So long as there is a history to look back to, the values wrought from tradition and experience will never fail to make a return in today’s social, political, and cultural dialogue. That is why we, an entirely new generation of dedicated staff, are honored to announce the Wren Journal’s return. With it comes the revitalization of moral and editorial conviction on campus. To be clear, the Wren Journal is not a newspaper. This is not a platform that intends to report sports scores or every move of the student assembly. We are a platform for cultural commentary, bold stands, and social dialogue. If you want to honor William and Mary’s past instead of condemning it, if you want to delve past much of the frivolous political frenzy of campus life, if you want to take an unpopular stand of conviction regarding William and Mary’s future, then this is the place for you.
Important to note as well is that the Wren Journal is not meant to simply be a political hotbed. Just as it is not a traditional newspaper, so too does it not owe allegiance to political party or partisan outrage. We are loyal to our values and editorial standards, and those alone. It is no coincidence that that our namesake is the oldest building of collegiate learning still standing in these United States. Out of all our tenets, the most important is this: the Wren Journal acknowledges the past as its greatest teacher and most prolific muse. The traditions and experiences of students past and present inform our commentary, convictions, and views.
The collegiate world of today is a tumultuous one. There has been inflamed protest, increased polarization, and heightened calling to raze down and build anew the identities and values of colleges throughout the country. This is what we stand against. As you very well may know, the College of William and Mary was chartered in 1693. While our community may not feature as prominently in mainstream news as much as larger universities, our age and experience leave us with an important responsibility. It is up to us to steward collegiate future with the principles that once built academia in the first place. When William and Mary was all forest, swamp, and foundation, the spirit we aim to cultivate in our paper was there with it. This does not mean we aim to write while blinded by nostalgia and pride, but rather we endeavor to create a high-quality journal enhanced by a sense of historic humility and tempered respect.
We at the Wren Journal are thrilled to be a part of this mission and we encourage you, dear reader, to join with us. Whether it be poetry or journalism, whether it be tame or controversial, the Wren Journal and the people behind it stand with you. We stand with your vision, your insight, and your conviction. With the past as our sage, the Wren Journal aims to change the culture of William and Mary for the better, and we sincerely hope that you join us in this mission. In the same way that Christopher Wren once said that architecture, his chief means of expression, was aimed towards eternity, so too does our paper. We aim towards eternal principles of truth and goodness. Put simply, that is our mission. Regards, Philip Vayntrub, Editor-In-Chief of the Wren Journal
