Former student journalists and supporters of The Blunt, a newspaper that was formed after The Point was shut down by the university in 1976, reunited at Point Loma Nazarene University to celebrate its 50th anniversary on Feb. 20, during Homecoming.
Known for its bold voice and willingness to challenge campus norms, The Blunt brought together former writers, editors, and supporters for a celebratory mocktail and lunch, giving the group a chance to reconnect and reflect on the publication’s lasting impact.
Carol Foster, class of 1977, described PLNU as “the most beautiful place,” recalling a campus filled with love and safety. She said The Blunt gave students a rare opportunity to speak openly about what was on their minds, even when doing so came with consequences, including expulsion.
Other former editors shared memories that highlighted the publication’s wit alongside its bold commentary.
Michael Christensen, class of 1977 and a co-editor of The Point, joked that the publication’s name came from how the school “blunted The Point,” noting that campus traditions like “ring by spring” were already being humorously criticized decades ago.
For some alumni, those bold choices came with significant personal consequences.
Steve Thames, co-editor of The Blunt, who was dismissed from PLNU in 1976, later graduated from the University of California, Davis in 1978, and said he has no regrets about his involvement.
The alumni reflected on a newspaper that challenged expectations, sparked conversation, and left a lasting mark on campus history.
A group photo of attendees at the Blunt Luncheon event during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 20. (Keira Evans/The Point)
Attendees at the Blunt Luncheon are eating their food and talking at the event during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 20. (Keira Evans/The Point)
A photo of the past Blunt papers and the current Point newspaper comparison on a table at the Blunt Luncheon event during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 20. (Keira Evans/The Point)
A photo of the past Blunt papers and the current Point newspaper comparison on a table at the Blunt Luncheon event during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 20. (Keira Evans/The Point)
Members of The Blunt are grabbing their lunch at the Blunt Luncheon event during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 20. (Keira Evans/The Point)
From left: Michael Christenson (‘77) and Sonja Rodgers (‘79) at the mocktail bar at the Blunt Luncheon event during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 20. (Keira Evans/The Point)
Sonja Rodgers (‘79), making a drink at the Blunt Luncheon event during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 20. (Keira Evans/The Point)
Susan Borland (‘76) at the Blunt Luncheon event during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 20. (Keira Evans/The Point)
From left: Shelly Bernard (‘77) and Sonja Rodgers (‘79) at the Blunt Luncheon event during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 20. (Keira Evans/The Point)
Attendees at the Blunt Luncheon are eating their food and talking at the event during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 20. (Keira Evans/The Point)
From left: Shelly Bernard (‘77) and Sonja Rodgers (‘79) with mocktail servers at the Blunt Luncheon event during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 20. (Keira Evans/The Point)
A photo of the past Blunt papers at the Blunt Luncheon event during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 20. (Keira Evans/The Point)
From right: Carol Foster (‘77), her husband, and Michael Christenson (‘77) pose for a photo at the Blunt Luncheon event during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 20. (Keira Evans/The Point)
Carol Foster (‘77) and her husband at the Blunt Luncheon event during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 20. (Keira Evans/The Point)
A drink setup at the Blunt Luncheon event during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 20. (Keira Evans/The Point)
A photo of the mocktail menu at the Blunt Luncheon event during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 20. (Keira Evans/The Point)
Attendees at the Blunt Luncheon are getting their food event during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 20. (Keira Evans/The Point)
Steve Thames (‘78), co-editor of The Blunt, was dismissed from PLNU in 1976. (Keira Evans/The Point)
Neal Putnam (‘75) at the Blunt Luncheon event during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 20. (Keira Evans/The Point)
Michael McCafferty (‘76) speaking to the crowd at the Blunt Luncheon event during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 20. (Keira Evans/The Point)
Kathy McConnell (‘70) at the Blunt Luncheon event during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 20. (Keira Evans/The Point)
Carol Foster (‘77) and her husband are looking at past Blunt newspapers at the Blunt Luncheon event during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 20. (Keira Evans/The Point)
Michael Christensen (‘77) speaking to the crowd at the Blunt Luncheon event during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 20. (Keira Evans/The Point)