During the past three years, I have often been reminded in small ways how special Bluffton University is—through sincere conversations with faculty, countless meals shared with friends and walks across campus just after the daffodils have bloomed.
Hannah Conklin, file photo
During my year as managing editor of The Witmarsum, I have also been reminded in small ways how special the The Wit is to me and this community. In the quiet moments spent copyediting in the radio station, I was drawn into the legacy of student-driven media at Bluffton University. When a story sparked conversation or when an alum shared a story on Facebook, I found evidence of The Witmarsum living into its call to seek the truth, listen for the truth and tell the truth on Bluffton’s campus.
My time as a Bluffton student formally concluded at Sunday’s commencement ceremony, and my time as managing editor will end with the publication of this 32nd edition of The Witmarsum for the 2018-19 academic year. In the spirit of bittersweet endings and new beginnings, I want to thank those who make it so hard for me to say goodbye.
To the supporters of The Witmarsum, thank you for faithfully reading and sharing our work. If you’ve ever taken the time to stop one of our staffers on the sidewalk or send them an email thanking them for their work, please know your kindness means the world to me. As this year’s managing editor, nothing has been more meaningful to me than observing the transformative power of our words.
To the 2018-19 staff of The Witmarsum, thank you for your persistence and dedication. Time and time again, this team exceeded our goals, setting a new standard of excellence with over 250 published pieces of content. It makes me incredibly proud to see The Wit gain respect and influence on our campus because of the work this team put in each week.
I must also express my extreme gratitude to Marathana Prothro, our faculty advisor, and Dave Woodward, our digital platform engineer. Their professional expertise and remarkable patience truly brings The Witmarsum to life. Thank you, Dave, for the countless hours you invest in our team and our beloved radio station. Thank you, Marathana, for the enduring vision and love you bring to The Witmarsum—may you continue to see The Wit flourish in truth, tenacity and influence as you guide and inspire future generations of student journalists at Bluffton University.
As I prepare to move on, I wish all the boldness to the 2019-20 staff of The Witmarsum. I’d like to officially introduce Nicole Centofanti as next year’s managing editor and Kai Smith as 96.1 The Wit FM’s program director. It is my great hope that next year’s team will continue to dig deeper, asking ever more challenging questions in the spirit of discovery, community, respect and service. I look forward to seeing The Wit prosper in pursuit of truth and justice as more and more stories are told with beauty, clarity and authenticity.
In closing, I want to remind the Bluffton community to embrace the small things that make it special. Keep being a community where truth matters and love abounds. Support journalism in a world where it’s too often mocked or devalued. Love your neighbors, and speak out about injustices against them.
May The Witmarsum and the larger Bluffton community continue to shine as people who, in the language of 1 John 3:18, love with both words and speech and “with actions and in truth.”
Thank you.
With great hope and love,
Hannah Conklin
The Witmarsum 2018-19 Managing Editor
