This is the final issue of the 98th volume of The Johnsonian. I have been with TJ for two out of its 98 years of service to the Winthrop and York County communities. As my term as its editor-in-chief comes to a close upon this issue’s publication, I find it topical to write about TJ’s importance to the Winthrop community, as it is often overlooked and undervalued.
Student newspapers are unique in that they renew themselves every year as their staffers graduate or move positions.
This annual change, though not ideal, is what sets college newspapers apart from state newspapers and shapes their identities. TJ is flexible, as its leader changes just about each school year. TJ welcomes new leadership styles, strategy revitalization, values, talents, etc.
The Johnsonian is a learning ground for young journalists, photographers, comic artists, graphic designers and podcasters. TJ accepts mistakes and encourages growth and experimentation.
TJ’s ultimate mission is to hold university officials accountable in order to improve the quality of life for those who live, work or learn on our campus. TJ staffers are students, too, so we have personal stock in this mission.
As TJ prepares to refresh yet again, for the 99th time, as the 2022-2023 school year approaches, I hope that it continues to gain momentum as its new and returning staffers report on Board of Trustees meetings, Title IX affairs, campus beautification, campus culture, students’ artistic endeavors, politics, crime, sports, and so many other topics important to the campus and local communities.
I am preparing a stack of 2021-2022 issues to give to Winthrop’s 12th president, Edward Serna, so he can see what Winthrop is all about as he enters his new role. I hope he reads them and considers Winthrop’s community as something to be listened to, not silenced. Student-run newspapers are vital for a university because they give a voice to all students and allow them to be heard.
In closing, here are some of our most prominent headlines from the 2021-2022 school year:
“Infrastructure issues plague Winthrop” by news editor Christian Smith
“March to Pike house calls out fraternity and WU administration” by AC&T assistant editor Gabe Corbin and AC&T editor Mari Pressley
“Shepard Fairey creates mural in old town, gets student help” by news editor Christian Smith
“Safe zones to support LGBTQ students” by staff writer Sam Hyatt
“Door to Title IX Coordinator and ADA compliance officer position opens to Kevin Sheppard” by assistant news editor Taylor Sallenger
“Winthrop men’s soccer wins home quarterfinal” by sports editor Matthew Shealy
“Eagle of the Week: Karli Shepherd” by assistant sports editor Lily Fremed
“Cultivate RH secures land deal” by news editor Christian Smith
“Projects to improve campus life continue” by news editor Christian Smith
“This Week in American Politics” series by assistant news editor Taylor Sallenger
“Students protest living conditions, lack of safety” by news editor Christian Smith
“‘Sounds about white.’ Winthrop community not surprised by university’s seemingly failed commitment to diversity as shown in presidential finalists” by editor-in-chief Bryn Eddy
“Edward Serna now 12th president of Winthrop University” by managing editor Chase Duncan
“The conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalates” by staff writer Spencer Horton
“COVID impacts on the Winthrop Arts community” by AC&T editor Mari Pressley
“Police Blotter” series by copy editor Sarah Hassler
“Behind the scenes insight to ‘Pipeline’” by staff writer Jada Strong
“Musical movies 2022” by assistant AC&T editor Gabe Corbin
“Nuclear energy resides on Catawba River” by assistant AC&T editor Ryan Lumbert
“Miracle Park” photo story by photographer Olivia Esselman
“Opening Day 2022” photo story by assistant news editor Marley Bassett
“Alumni Spotlight: Haila Harvey” by staff writer Sam Hyatt
“Intrudeer in West Center” by managing editor Chase Duncan
“Response to ‘Maus’ ban by Tennessee school board” by staff writer Spencer Horton
“Former employees say Knowledge Perk created a hostile work environment” by assistant news editor Taylor Sallenger
“Sigma sorority suspended until 2025” by assistant news editor Marley Bassett
“Fight, win and have fun” by sports editor Matthew Shealy
“Winthrop announces next step in strengthening university budget” by assistant news editor Marley Bassett
“To live on or off campus. What’s the move?” by staff writer Ainsley McCarthy
“South Carolina brings back firing squads” by staff writer Spencer Horton
“Beautiful places in Rock Hill” photo story by photographer To’Mara Carmicheal
“Winthrop faculty talks about position cuts” by assistant news editor Marley Bassett
“Winthrop requires laptops in fall 2022” by staff writer Sam Hyatt
“Who is Edward Serna?” by staff writer Spencer Horton
“Winthrop students call attention to issues with disability services” by staff writer Jada Strong
“Trustee LaRoche calls for return of representatives to board table” by managing editor Chase Duncan
It has been an honor serving you, Winthrop, and it has been the greatest pleasure of my college experience to work alongside you, 2021-2022 staff of The Johnsonian.
Sincerely,
Bryn Eddy, 2021-2022 Editor-in-Chief of The Johnsonian
