Hello there! My name is Conor Chapman, and I am thrilled to be the next Executive Editor for the Clarion.

I didn’t join the Clarion because I wanted to be a journalist. As an international studies major with minors in political science and criminology, I am certainly aided by the skills I have learned at the paper. But I originally joined to find a group that was welcoming and a space without judgment. I can confidently say that I have found that group here.

Being part of something like the newspaper is not what those who knew me before college would expect. Outside of when I was with a select few people, I was the quiet person in the back of the room who only reacted to conversations with a quick laugh or a smirk. I was not one to speak my full opinion, especially if I felt the conversation could get heated. I tended to dislike confrontation. Being part of the paper has changed this for me.

The newspaper has allowed me to come out of my shell. I started as a contributor to the opinions section, timid and afraid to fully show my beliefs. Now, through the guidance of editors such as Kiana Marsan, I have become comfortable with fully speaking my mind on important positions and someone who truly respects what journalism can accomplish.

Being a member of this community has been one of the best parts of my college experience. Being able to become part of the leadership first as a copy editor and now as the Executive Editor has given me opportunities to give back to the club that has already given me a lot. For this, I thank Kiana, Jake Gloth, and all of the current and former editors who have been a part of my experience at The Clarion.

As the university moves to more in-person classes and activities in the fall, The Clarion wants to focus on the work that students are doing that was underappreciated due to the pandemic. Tori Everson, the new Editor-in-Chief, and I strive to be the voice of the general student body, holding both the administration and the student governments accountable to the best of our ability. 

The events occurring throughout the world show the influence well-done journalism can have on those in power and the general public. Journalism, no matter how small of a group or area of focus, can influence events or actions for the better as well as inspire people to fight for the change they want. However, we cannot do this without contributing writers who break these important stories and exhibit the influence of journalism. We hope that you will join us to accomplish this.

Sincerely,

Conor Chapman

Executive Editor