Four years ago, I cautiously walked into a Clarion meeting hoping to find an organization where I could satisfy my desire to work on a publication. Four years ago, I would have never imagined I would one day be the Editor-in-Chief of the Clarion. Four years ago, I would have never known that I would find my second family and form some of my closest friendships at the Clarion.

Today, I sign off as your Editor-in-Chief. I am so grateful for the amazing opportunity to be a part of this organization. Working for the Clarion has taught me so much and has truly been an unforgettable experience.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without all of you.

To our dedicated readers:

Thank you so much for your continued support. Your readership shows your dedication to not only the Clarion, but to the University. Thank you for inspiring us to continue working hard to produce top notch content for this publication.

To the Clarion staff:

I am so lucky to have worked with such a talented group of people. You are all incredibly wonderful people to work with and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am so excited to see what is in store for the future of this publication. I have no doubt that you will all crush it. I wish you all the best of luck in the rest of your time at DU and beyond. Remember, we’re a big family and will always have your back.

To Andrew Matranga, the Clarion’s Faculty Adviser:

Thank you for the countless ideas to keep this publication thinking outside the box. Your energy and vast media experience are so beneficial to keep the Clarion modernized. You have taught me so much and shaped me into the strong leader I am today. I will cherish the time we had working together.

To Jillian Queri, Kellsie Brannen, Connor W. Davis and Meg McIntyre, my inspirational predecessors:          

Thank you for everything that you have taught me. All four of you did such a wonderful job, and I am truly grateful to have taken the reigns with the publication in such great shape. You are all amazing leaders and inspired me to push my limits and grow my leadership skills.

To Ryan Ninesling, my lovely Executive Editor and very close friend:

I can honestly say I could not have done this without you. I am so lucky to have had you by my side all year, and I am eternally thankful for your hard work. Thank you for the countless memories and laughs. You are such a phenomenal person, Ryan. You are going to do amazing things in life and I am so excited to see that.

To Taryn Allen and Grace Carson, my talented successors:

You both have done an amazing job thus far and I am so excited to see where you will go. It will get tough at times, but I promise you it is worth it. What you are doing has such a profound impact on this world. There will be a ton of little things that pop up, I guarantee it. Don’t lose sight of the big picture, though. You are incredible leaders and I am so proud of you both.

Thank you all for the love, laughter and memories.

Thank you all for making my time at the Clarion a truly unforgettable experience!

John Poe

Editor-in-Cheif Emeritus