To the readers,

During my college admissions process, I went on 15 college tours across the country. At every single one of these universities I picked up their respective student newspapers. 

As Editor-in-Chief of my high school newspaper, I wanted to see how other schools did it. The University of Denver was no different.

I picked up The Clarion, not knowing I would be attending here, and read it on the plane ride home to New York. I read about student culture and common problems at DU and learned about topics that pertain to Denver as a whole. 

I have seen, and experienced, first hand the influence college newspapers and student journalism can have on students, even prospective ones. 

Now more than ever, The Clarion serves as a beacon for what it means to be a DU student, and I feel inspired to be part of this community.

I have been part of The Clarion since the first Monday meeting of my freshman year, writing my debut article on the newest manager of Beans. Since then, I have written articles across multiple sections, primarily focusing on Arts and Life. 

I was fortunate enough to work under my predecessor Anna Neumann — before she assumed the role of Executive Editor, a position  I will soon step into —  Neumann was the Arts and Life editor my freshman year. Her inspiration, humor and professionality empowered me to write some of my favorite pieces. 

I thank her for her dedication, not only as my Arts and Life editor, but as a role model as Executive Editor. With her guidance I feel prepared to create some incredible crosswords, and lead with confidence. 

To Alyssa Avila, your commitment to The Clarion has transformed what it means to be a student writer. I am in awe of your intelligence and appreciate all the lessons you have taught me.

To Delaney, the Arts and Life editor this year, you filled every meeting with laughter and I adore the Arts and Life community you’ve built.

The current staff, Lina, Micah, Maddux, Theodora, Z, Weston, Delaney and Andrew, you have welcomed me with open arms, and I feel grateful to have spent this quarter with this community. 

To next year’s staff, Z, Theodora, Weston, Andrew, Lars, Tylah, Noon, Ella, Madison and Nick, I am lucky to work alongside you and cannot wait to see what we accomplish. 

With our work, I feel confident that we can inspire other students, even prospective ones, to pick up The Clarion and read it on the way home.

Respectfully,

Eliza Schwartz

Executive Editor Incoming