Throughout the semester, our team of editors spends a large portion of its time planning and producing The Villanovan. While much of that time is devoted to deleting misplaced Oxford commas and working within InDesign templates, somewhere in the long hours and late nights spent in the office, these fellow editors become some of our closest friends.
So, every year when graduation comes around, it feels a little bittersweet saying goodbye to The Villanovan seniors. While it is difficult to watch these people we have grown so close to leave campus and move on, it is also incredibly rewarding to see them take the skills and lessons gained from working on the paper into the next chapter of their lives.
This year, The Villanovan is graduating nine seniors, each who have left a unique and indelible mark on the paper.
Brooke Ackerman, one of our former Editor-in-Chiefs, has excelled in just about every different editorial position this paper has to offer. Starting as a staff writer, Brooke quickly distinguished herself, rising to sports editor in her freshman year, associate editor in her sophomore year (managing half of that tenure from abroad) and ultimately editor-in-chief. In each of these positions, she has served as a mentor and role model to all those around her. She is a natural leader, with a clear vision and tireless work ethic that left the paper better than she found it. Her love for The Villanovan is contagious and will continue to echo within the pale blue walls of Corr Hall as she moves on to her next chapter.
Nicole Liddicoat, our other former Editor-in-Chief, may just be the hardest worker and smartest person we know. Nicole took on this role while also being a member of the cheer team, working and balancing two majors and 22 credits. Despite this, she always arrived at productions on Tuesday night with a positive attitude and an eagerness that she shares with everyone in her orbit. Even amid the chaos that often erupts on Tuesday nights, Nicole always remained a patient and calming presence who grounded our team in the basement of Corr Hall. The Villanovan was incredibly lucky to have Nicole for her vision and insights relating to the paper. However, we are even luckier to have her as our friend.
Lauren Armstrong, our former Associate Editor-in-Chief, radiates a palpable sense of warmth and joy across Villanova’s campus. Her passion for everything she is involved in inspires all of those around her. Her fierce devotion and heart come through in every article she has written and her impact on the paper will not soon be forgotten. In addition to being an ever present part of our Villanovan team during her time in college, she is also everyone’s biggest supporter and someone who we can always count on to lift people up. We will miss her weekly articles and columns, but more so, we will just miss her.
Madeline Okenquist, our former Copy Desk Editor, was truly the backbone of the paper during the three years she spent on The Villanovan editorial team. While her work never resulted in a byline on the front page, it did always allow us to share stories effectively, clearly, and without Oxford commas (most of the time, we already miss you Madeline). She had a sneaky sense of humor that would lighten the mood during even the most stressful production nights. We already miss her meticulous editing and quick wit.
Katie Lewis, our former Sports Editor, helped lead The Villanovan sports section during one of its most successful periods in its entire existence. From breaking stories to covering the niche lives of Villanova athletes, Katie always had an eye for a great story. She found ways to expand the sports social pages and refresh the paper’s website in multiple ways. Whether it was New York City or Penn State, Katie always made sure to be there to cover anything and everything. She was a part of one of the best Basketball Preview Magazines the paper distributed.
Natalie Zickel, our former Digital Editor, leaves us all constantly in awe of her creativity and storytelling. Her ability to create an impact on the Villanova community through a variety of mediums has been incredible to watch. Equally incredible, is the way she leads with an infectious kindness that leaves a lasting impression to all those who know her.
Isabella Carlin, our former News Editor, is one of the most joyful and radiant human beings we know. She led News with a sense of quiet confidence, which was reflected in her section and all the stories she authored. Even while living on a campus so far away from her home in Texas, she shared her innate ability to make everyone around her feel at home.
Arden West was our former Senior Editor and one of our former Editor-in-Chiefs. During her time as EIC, she immediately created a welcoming space for her staff that was made up of nearly entirely new editors. She fostered a culture that continues to shape how The Villanovan currently operates. We know she will take these qualities into her next chapter and will naturally become a leader, just like she was here.
Peter Reilly, there are not many people who can say they started something new at The Villanovan, but he did. The crossword section of the weekly print edition changed the course of the entire paper’s future. We are excited to see how he continues to utilize this creativity in his next chapter.
Every week when we open up the paper, we will miss seeing their bylines. However, we are instead excited to see all they do and accomplish. We will be cheering you on from the basement of Corr Hall.
With love,
Kailey and Dylan
