Readers have seen me criticize, complain and even cry, but they rarely see my gratitude. I constantly hear from people that our work this semester has been more insightful than ever before; maybe this semester, the Trinitonian really did break news so hard it couldn’t be fixed. So, if you’ll take a walk down memory lane with me, here are a few highlights from my time as the Trinitonian’s managing editor.
“RED ZONE”/DRY RECRUITMENT EXTENSION
Campus journalism at its finest. We made a real impact on the Trinity community. It was the longest article we’d written to date. We were in the newsroom until 7 a.m. — but even Trinity students approved of how we did it. We published John Ferretti’s iconic letter, gave both administration and students a chance to speak out and somehow didn’t lose our sanity in the process. Engagement with our surveys and paper skyrocketed.
SGA FIRST-YEAR SENATOR RESULTS
This semester, the Trinitonian had the privilege of announcing first-year senator election results. We met with several incredibly talented first- years, interviewed them and got to know them as individuals. Editor-in-chief Samara Gerstle even got to hand one of the winners their results in person and see their genuine excitement. Even if we only truly impacted the five new senators, I knew that we made a difference in their lives, and that fulfilled me more than eight hours of sleep ever could.
FIZZ USERS CAUSE CRISES
A surreal, chaotic and crazy article to write and report on. Eight interviews. Three reporters. Four contributing writers. Nine straight hours of work. But we made an actual, tangible difference. The next day, Fizz users were saying things like “maybe we’ve taken it too far,” or “people need to have thicker skin.” No matter where you fall on that spectrum, our article started real conversation, and that’s exactly the point of what we do.
BREAKING NIRENBERG’S RUN FOR COUNTY JUDGE
The Trinitonian broke the news that Ron Nirenberg, Calgaard Distinguished Professor of Practice in the communication department, filed a document for a campaign treasurer in his run for Bexar County Judge — the first official documentation of his run for county judge. The next article, published in the San Antonio Express-News, was three hours behind us.
Fate had it that I interviewed Nirenberg the night before to talk about Project Marvel. I was hoping he’d give me his official confirmation on the record, but unfortunately, he’s very media- trained, and wouldn’t give me an inch when I wanted a mile. Still, he gave us enough strong quotes and tips to help us break the story.
Being first to the punch was surreal.
Also, Professor Nirenberg, if you’re reading this: Sorry for harassing you for quotes, and thank you for all your help.
These were just four of my favorite articles I contributed to. But I’d be remiss not to brag about my team: the people who make the Trinitonian what it is.
- When a car literally drove through the Chapman Fountain, Photographer Max Rearick, ran toward the sound of loud crashing metal instead of away from it.
- Reporter Maya ShahMansoorian’s Canon 4 article — now at thousands of reads and climbing — showcased educational reporting on an issue that matters deeply to the Trinity community.
- Opinion Editor Riya Vankamamidi conducted thoughtful, in-depth interviews for a Nirenberg versus. Christine Drennon point/counterpoint and transcribed them under a brutal deadline.
- Columnist Gautam Iyer wrote an insane column on Charlie Kirk’s death, with a hook so powerful it hit me harder than Fiona the Trinicat did when I last tried to pick her up.
- Reporter Julianne Dunn wrote about the scourge of golf carts on campus, and cultivated a niche for herself with Facilities, TUPD and so many of the campus groups we rely on every single week.
- Reporter Scott Lebo consistently writes about soccer coverage so well that even I think I understand what’s going on. Maybe I don’t know what a “bye” is, but it sure is fun to read about.
- Arts Columnist Zoe Sutton writes movie reviews so enticing it makes me feel like a professional movie critic.
- Graphics Editor Skylar Savarin illustrated the accompanying artwork, and her artistic dedication deserves more than any paycheck could ever give.
- Photojournalism Editor Tess Gagliano’s coverage of the San Antonio for Justice in Palestine Oct. 7 vigil captured emotion and respect more powerfully than words ever could.
These people, and everyone at the Trinitonian, are incredible human beings, talented writers and easily the most dedicated team I’ve ever worked with. Last year, the Society of Professional Journalists named the Trinitonian the #1 small- school newspaper across Oklahoma and Texas. They’re why.
