By The Johnsonian Staff
Clark Vilardebo, Editor-in-Chief: Student Publications is extremely important because it is one of the only ways to receive reliable news on what’s happening at Winthrop and Rock Hill. Between the Herald, Post & Courier York County and Charlotte news sources, the York County area is not a news desert. However, those papers can’t keep up with everything that happens at Winthrop, so that’s where we come in. Those papers will never tell you about DragWU and other student-led events. They won’t have profiles on professors that you may not have realized share similar interests with you. They won’t highlight our sports programs like we do. It’s not just a matter of supporting because we’re student-led, it’s because we will bring you the intimate, thoroughly researched information on the university that you can’t get anywhere else. Oh, and we’re best in state with the University of South Carolina.
Zachary Bell, Managing Editor: A student-run newspaper is an exciting opportunity for students to get involved in their community. Much like SGA, which facilitates dialogue between students and the Board, Student Publications lends our community a larger voice. Whether it be an opinion piece in the RMR, or a fact finding report in the Johnsonian, Student Publications allows students to freely express themselves creatively, inform one another on the latest news, and uplift marginalized voices. Supporting Student Publications means supporting your own voice.
Hudson Mize, Advertising Manager: I believe the Johnsonian is necessary for students to get great experience in the MCOM field. However, it also helps inform students on campus about current events both in the nation and locally. Many people underestimate the importance of the news and I hope the Johnsonian changes that misconception.
Evi Houston, News Editor: Being part of a student organization which has had an important presence on campus since 1923 has taught me so much about the value of local news and information. While I love Winthrop, it can often serve as a bubble for students, so staying aware of what is going on in Rock Hill and South Carolina is critical, especially as an out-of-state student. Not only do we provide comprehensive discussions on local political issues and university developments, but we make sure to spotlight all elements of student life. This has introduced me to so many things I would never have known about before joining and/or reading The Johnsonian. You will never again have access to a free publication so tailored to your environment, lifestyle, and needs. Take advantage of it!
Omar Woods, Sports Editor: Information is a very important aspect of our society that can have massive impacts on how we view and interpret many of the events in our lives. The main purpose of any publication job in my view is so that information can be factually and clearly shown to the population to inform them on the occurrences that happen both locally and globally. In respect of Student Publications, giving the student body and local community information is crucial towards fostering a healthy and strong community. Essentially, student publications allow students to stay in the loop so to speak. By reading The Johnsonian, a student could learn of an upcoming sports game they had no idea about. Reading the advertisements in the paper can enlighten the student to a new restaurant to dine at. It can inform the student about a political scandal or situation that may have a direct impact on them. Knowledge and information is crucial towards a healthy community, and Student Publications makes it so that this knowledge and information correctly gets to the viewer.
Bailey Wimberly, Layout Editor: Being part of The Johnsonian is one of the best decisions I ever made at Winthrop. Joining student publications helped me to expand my horizons, explore new opportunities, and learn new skills in a fun way. The people here are amazing and continue to impress me everyday. I wish that everyone could join The Johnsonian just like I did.
Claire Meuret, Web and Social Media Editor: Winthrop’s Student Publications is important because it gives students a voice. Even though compared to the student body of Winthrop, there aren’t that many staff members, we are such a diverse group of people that everyone on campus’s voices are represented by us. We provide students with truths about hard subjects that are happening that are edited by the staff of Winthrop, the city of Rock Hill and many more.
Chase Duncan, Copy Editor: Student Publications has been a formative part of my growth as an adult as well as my experience as a Winthrop Student. I’ve been working for Student Publications for 5 years now, and I still look forward every day I’m on campus to being able to go into the office and work with my extremely talented colleagues on covering the goings-ons of my community. I have improved as a writer, as a worker and as a person by working as a student journalist for The Johnsonian, having worked in numerous positions on the newspaper as a writer, editor and editor-in-chief. I can’t imagine my experience at Winthrop University without my experience as part of Student Publications. The lessons I’ve learned and the friends I’ve made here will kindle in my memory as halcyon embers of peaceful days long after I graduate.
Jill Melander, Copy Editor: Student Publications play a vital role in the way that students stay connected with their peers and their community. I believe it’s important to support The Johnsonian because it provides students with valuable, real-world experience in media as well as a platform to express their voice and hold their administration accountable.
Jackson Stanton, Photographer: Student Publications and the Johnsonian is important for us as students to develop a sense of work ethic in our desired fields and collaborate with other students and businesses in the Rock Hill area.
