Hannah Conklin, file photo
As we launch our first edition of The Witmarsum for the 2018-19 academic year, I want to thank you for your continued support. The Wit is coming off of its strongest year yet, and that wouldn’t be possible without those who read our articles, listen to 96.1 and spread the word on campus and online. My heart swells with pride every time I overhear someone in Marbeck say something like, “I read it on The Wit!”
I’m constantly reminded as I scroll through social media or read the news that we are living in a time where journalism is often mocked, put down or even threatened instead of being valued and esteemed.
This year’s Civic Engagement theme, “When Talking is Tough: Respectful Conversations in a Divided Nation,” speaks to the role responsible media can play in a community. The Witmarsum commits to asking big questions and seeking real answers, and it is my vision that we, as journalists, can be both truth seekers and respectful listeners.
During this coming year, I ask for your continued support for The Wit as we are in a season of transition and working toward serving our campus community better by strengthening our radio programming and producing increasingly relevant and thought-provoking content.
You, too, can be a part of our work on campus. Everyone is welcome to contribute to The Wit through submitting articles, beginning a radio show or even just sending story ideas our way. We’re always looking to create greater representation in our news coverage and to reach new people interested in participating in student-driven media at Bluffton.
I’d also like to officially introduce Tyler Avila as our program director. He is a familiar face to The Witmarsum family as he has been tirelessly producing content for the last two years, including the co-creation of our sports radio show, The Beaver Dam. I am so appreciative of the hard work and big dreams he brings to The Wit team.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as managing editor alongside such a dedicated and industrious team to continue the legacy of The Witmarsum that began in October 1913. I am passionate about pursuing truth and excellence in the tradition of student journalism at Bluffton University.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the people who have built momentum for The Wit and those who continue to do so. To my predecessor, Sophie Hobbs, and the rest of last year’s team, I thank you for your boldness and your tenacity in working to make The Wit a true influencer in our campus culture. To our faculty advisor, Marathana Prothro, I thank you for the time, energy and creative vision you continually invest in The Wit and its staff – you keep The Witmarsum world spinning. I’d also like to extend thanks to Dave Woodward, our digital platform engineer, for the guidance, wisdom and technical expertise he continues to share with The Wit team.
During this time as we welcome incoming students to campus, we are so often reminded of Bluffton’s four enduring values: discovery, community, respect and service. May The Witmarsum continue to look to those values as beacons of inspiration and the foundation of what we do in the 2018-19 academic year and beyond.
With sincere gratitude and much excitement,
Hannah Conklin
The Witmarsum 2018-19 managing editor
