Celebrating 200 Years

Ayla Peden

What is now known as The Student’s Culture section has been reporting on entertainment from around the Oxford area and the world for 47 years.

The Miami Student has been reporting for 200 years; Only 47 include 'Culture' section

By Ayla Peden | February 27, 2026

When The Miami Student published its first edition as The Literary Focus in 1827, it only included three things: literature, poetry and philosophical thought. Now, 200 years later, The Student has sections covering everything from sports and opinion to culture and environmental news. What The Student calls the Culture section today has undergone many iterations since it’s first appearance 47 years ago.

Asst. Culture Editor Ayla Peden shares her favorite romance books for Valentine's Day.

Romance novels that will make your heart flutter

By Ayla Peden | February 14, 2026

As Valentine’s Day is upon us, and couples start showing up on everyone’s Instagram feed, the idea of love begins circling around everyone’s minds. Many people, including myself, like to celebrate with anything romantic — hearts, chocolate, flowers and, most importantly, a good romance novel.So, here are six of my favorite romance novels from over the years.

Sophomore Hayden Jarvis observes the new exhibition, "Rooted Here," at the Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum.

New art exhibitions bring together Miami art and Ohio’s people

By Ayla Peden | February 5, 2026

It’s typical for a museum to open two exhibits at the same time. However, very few unintentionally share a common theme, and even fewer pay homage to the people and history of Ohio.On Jan. 27, the Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum (RCCAM) at Miami University opened two new exhibitions: “Rooted Here” and “Culture Crops.” Two days later, Jan. 29, the museum held an open house, allowing members and art lovers alike to see this year’s spring exhibitions.

Asst. Culture Editor Ayla Peden shares her thoughts on the new Netflix romcom "People We Meet On Vacation."

‘People We Meet On Vacation’: The romcom everyone needs

By Ayla Peden | January 31, 2026

As many people in my life may know, I have been anxiously awaiting the release of Netflix’s latest romcom, “People We Meet On Vacation,” which is based on the Emily Henry novel of the same name.I had been talking about it constantly, so when the movie came out on Jan. 9, I sat down with my boyfriend and pressed play — and it is safe to say I was not disappointed.

Asst. Culture Editor Ayla Peden shares who she thinks should win at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

From Sabrina Carpenter to KATSEYE: A Culture editor’s Grammy picks

By Ayla Peden | January 29, 2026

Around this same time last year, The Miami Student’s Culture Editor Stella Powers and former Culture Editor Chloe Southard shared who they would like to see win in select categories at the Grammys. So, with the 2026 Grammy Awards show being hosted on Feb. 1, I thought it would be only fitting that I, the latest assistant Culture editor, also share my opinions on the best music of 2025.

Each president has left their mark on Lewis Place, often giving it modern updates and adding personal touches.

Lewis Place: The White House of Miami

By Ayla Peden | November 25, 2025

Along High Street, a large white house sits across from Miami University’s front lawn. With its open-air porch, supported by tall white columns and black shutters framing every window, Lewis Place has become a campus staple and a symbol of the university’s history.

Asst. Campus and Community editors Parker Green and Shannon Mahoney, along with Asst. Culture editor Ayla Peden shares their favorite and least favorite books of 2025.

Bookworm Review wrapped: Our writers’ best and worst reads

By Shannon Mahoney , Ayla Peden and Parker Green | November 25, 2025

As the semester comes to a close, so does another year of great — and not so great — books that made 2025 that much more entertaining. As you may or may not know, every other week, writers Ayla Peden, Shannon Mahoney and Parker Green each take turns to recommend some of their favorite books to you, lovely readers.So, in this edition, they have decided to come together and share their favorite and least favorite books of 2025.

Asst. culture editor Ayla Peden shares her favorite books to kick off the holiday season.

Holiday romances that will make you forget about seasonal depression

By Ayla Peden | November 8, 2025

As the sun sets earlier over the horizon and temperatures continue to drop, the best thing to look forward to is the upcoming holiday season. Now, I know there is debate about whether holiday celebrations should start on Nov. 1 or after Thanksgiving — I personally fight for the latter — but that doesn’t mean you can’t start preparing for when you’re in the festive mood.So, with that said, here are five holiday romance novels that give off the same cheesy, nostalgic vibe of a Hallmark movie.

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