Dear readers,
My name is Connor W. Davis, I’m a junior from Weston, Vermont majoring in journalism and I took over the Clarion in February as Editor-in-Chief. I wanted to write you all a closing letter as we say goodbye to the 2014-2015 academic year, and hello to 2015-2016.
As expected, transitioning into this position has not been easy for me. In fact, it’s been harder than any task I’ve faced in my professional career. Running a newspaper and managing upwards of 35 employees is no joke, and I develop more respect for my predecessors—who date back to 1899—more and more each day for keeping this publication alive and well.
Yet, despite the tolling transition, I’m having a blast and I know my team and I are doing a great job.
We have created new front page designs. We have more photos and graphics on every single page. We have expanded the News section to cover as much activity on campus as possible. We have a new column in the Lifestyles section covering Denver’s thriving art scene. We have extensive coverage of the DU Theatre Department in the Entertainment Section. We have healthy discussions about racial issues and safety issues in the Opinions section. We have new columns in the Sports section recognizing club, intramural and pro teams.
These improvements are just a preview of where the Clarion is heading. Looking forward, issues for 2015-2016 will be receiving a complete redesign, while maintaining certain aspects of the classic style we have all learned to know and love.
The social media team has also stepped up big time, brainstorming intriguing posts day in and day out and, in turn, significantly increasing our followers, impressions and engagements.
As an avid believer in the power of social media, I find this to be one of our biggest strengths as we try to keep up with the times.
Next year, this social media team will be led by Seth Harris, who has worked for two social media marketing firms over the past five years and will help us significantly improve our online presence.
On our website, we have increased breaking news coverage due to a lot of newsworthy action occuring on campus. We released in depth stories about USG elections. We were all over the reports of gunmen on campus on May 7. We were one of the first publications to announce that DU Hockey is playing an outdoor game against Colorado College next year.
Between changes in print, social media and our website, a lot of exciting changes are occuring. But what’s best of all, at least for me, is that we are finally redesigning our website thanks to the help of Breyer Studios, which is comprised of soon-to-be DU graduates Andrew Bruni and Skyler Meyer. This new site will go live this summer, well in time for the fall quarter, and we could not be more thrilled as the Clarion makes this effort to keep up with the rapidly evolving media world. The new site will be simple and sleek, and deliver news to the DU community better than ever before.
I, of course, do realize that while we’re improving the Clarion in all of these different ways, we can always do better, and I highly encourage you all to reach out to me as soon, and as frequently as possible with your feedback on the present and input for the future. The best way to do that is via email at duclarioneditor@gmail.com.
We are “the voice of the Pioneers” and without your advice, that motto will not ring true enough for me to feel like I’m doing my job correctly.
This does not, by any means, have to be restricted to written communication, either. I will be on campus all summer long, and of course, throughout the 2015-2016 academic year, and would be thrilled to sit down in person with our readers to talk about the Clarion. Even if you want to just grab a beer and get to know the Clarion’s new Editor-in-Chief, that would be great, too. I want to do whatever it takes to get closer to our audience, show them how much we care about them and in turn, create a better paper.
I’d like to use these final words by paying respect to the many people who have provided me with such a rewarding experience since I joined the Clarion back in 2013.
First, to Alex Johnson (Editor-in-Chief, Winter 2013 – Winter 2014) and Lanna Giauque (Editor-in-Chief, Winter 2014 – Winter 2015): you two have left the Clarion in perfect shape for us to thrive and I am eternally thankful for that. You have also set an exceptional example for me by running the Clarion so fearlessly and professionally. Thank you.
To Meg McIntyre: the Clarion’s Executive Editor, you are one tough, hardworking woman who has helped me transition into my new role swimmingly, and without you it would be nearly impossible for me to pull any of this off. Thank you.
To Andrew Matranga, the Clarion’s Faculty Advisor: you are an idea-producing machine that helps the Clarion’s blood keep pumping and your experience in the media world is crucial as we strive to become a more modern publication than ever before. Thank you.
To the Clarion staff: you are all truly wonderful people with bright futures and I’m so lucky to have you on our team. To those going abroad in the fall, bring back some international inspiration upon your return. To those who are graduating, good luck with the wonderful opportunities that lie ahead of you and don’t ever forget that the Clarion family has your back. Thank you.
Last but not least, to the Clarion’s loyal audience, you care enough about DU to read our paper and make the work we do worthwhile. That means the world to us all. Thank you all so very much.
Sincerely,
Connor W. Davis
Editor-in-Chief
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