To the readers,

The saying, “it takes a village,” resonates with me a lot. 

If you don’t know or remember what it means, it’s essentially an African-originating saying that means an entire community of people, not just parents, contributes to a person’s level of success while fostering a nurturing and healthy environment. The village helps a person grow. 

I have a lot of people that I would put in my village — that I would say pushed me to evolve as a person, journalist and writer. And for that, I am thankful for each and every one of you. 

To my professors and advisors in the journalism and socio-legal studies departments, thank you. A special thank you to Andrew Matranga for the wacky classes and for advising the Clarion through the ups and downs. Also, special thank yous to Kareem El Damanhoury for being the best professor on campus and Dr. Lynn Schofield Clark for being the most caring advisor. 

To the executive position successors, Anna Neumann and Alyssa Avila, you already exemplify what great leaders should be. It was a pleasure getting to work with the both of you and see your growth over the years.

To the rest of the Clarion staff and writers, it has been a pleasure seeing many of you grow in your roles and become better journalists. Keep bringing in enthusiastic writers who want to go sit in the press box at hockey games, or interview the new CAHSS dean or give their opinion on the latest executive orders. 

To the graduating staff: Mason Wageman, Liam Piper, Hampton Terrell; thank you for your hard work over the last couple of years and for each being a valuable member to the team. 

Also, thank you to the OGs and the mentors; Aubrey Cox, Ambriel Speagle, Matthew Logan, Annabelle Kiely, Emma Lawson, Ana Ortega, Henry Hargrave and especially, Jackie Michel.

A special thank you to Ana Júlia Rodrigues Alves for your work as the Clarion Editor-In-Chief. It has been a pleasure to work beside you, although we argued about the most trivial things (university is not capitalized!). 

Thank you to my family and the people close to me who read my articles and supported the Clarion. A special thank you to my mom and my dad for supporting my education at DU and for being the best support system I could ever have. I love you always. 

The Clarion means a lot to me. There is something special to me about picking up a physical copy of the newspaper or seeing articles gain traction on our website or Instagram. 

I love what the Clarion is all about; i.e. I love everything journalism stands for. Neutrality, accuracy, accountability, creativity, independence; that’s what makes journalism an industry I want to be in for decades.

I’ve become a better leader, journalist and person because of the Clarion. If the Clarion was personified, it would be one of the biggest parts of my village. And for that, I will never forget my experiences with this great newspaper. 

Sincerely, 

Riley Laub

Executive Editor Emeritus