As the new semester begins, students on campus are not just attending classes—they’re shaping the news that reaches every corner of the community. At the heart of our campus media is a dedicated team of student journalists, editors, and writers who bring the latest stories, events, and student voices to the forefront.
The Student Editorial Team is led by Editor-in-Chief Matt Wesser, a first year student majoring in Communications and Mass Media. Raised in San-Francisco, Matt has a passion for social justice and shedding light on issues that may be overlooked. He attributes his heavy involvement in sports-particularly soccer-with his deep understanding of teamwork, perseverance and attention to detail. Values that he intends to bring to The Vanguard. Under his leadership, the editorial team has produced in-depth coverage of campus life, social issues, and student culture.
Wesser states, “With strong relationship building and communication skills, I am committed to fighting for a more equitable and well-informed world.” He further explains, “Having called both San Francisco and Philadelphia home, I am always eager to meet new people and expand my network, furthering my goal of using my voice for positive change.”
Supporting Matt is Managing Editor Faith Mutsambiri, a Nursing major with a background in journalism. She worked as a reporter in Zimbabwe for several years. Faith oversees the daily operations and ensures that each piece of content is polished and ready for publication.
Her declared major is Nursing but Faith notes, “I couldn’t abandon my first love; that is, writing. That’s why I joined The Vanguard…writing makes me stay connected to the journalist I once was, keeping my creative spirit alive while working toward my new dream of becoming a nurse. We’re here to inform our readers while also creating space for meaningful dialogue.”
Rounding out the staff is Ifeoluwa Fajinmi and Jessica Dobney, a Criminal Justice major. Together, they oversee everything from hard news stories to feature articles about student organizations, local events, and personal stories.
Staff Goals and Vision for the Paper
The overarching goal of this year’s staff is to make the student newspaper an even more integral part of campus life. From expanding coverage on student activism to highlighting underrepresented voices, the team is eager to enrich the community’s understanding of the campus culture.
The editorial team also sees the newspaper as a platform for fostering healthy debate and discussion. Opinion pieces, guest articles, and letters to the editor will encourage students to think critically about important issues, whether related to local or national events.
Fostering Community Through the Paper
In addition to delivering news and feature content, the staff is dedicated to fostering a sense of community. They plan to increase engagement with readers through social media and interactive content, such as polls, student-submitted articles, and live coverage of campus events.
The Vanguard team are all excited about using their platform to not just inform, but also to inspire action and create connections. Whether it’s through covering student government or spotlighting the latest campus art exhibit, the staff hopes to provide stories that resonate with the diverse student body.
Moving Forward: Challenges and Opportunities
This year, the student staff is also focusing on the growth of the paper in an increasingly digital world. As news consumption shifts online, the team is eager to expand the paper’s digital presence and make their content more accessible and interactive.
As the year unfolds, the team’s dedication to excellence in student journalism remains unwavering. Rest assured that these student journalists are working hard to bring you the news and stories that matter most to the campus community.
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