Welcome back to the Hive!
Whether it’s your first year at the University of Lynchburg or you’re a seasoned Hornet, we are so thrilled you are here. Every fall, our campus comes alive with the hum of possibility as friends meet on the Dell, faculty fine-tune their syllabi, staff welcome us home with open arms, and squirrels dart across the campus as if they have breaking news of their own.
As advisor for The Critograph, the university’s student voice, I am so excited to support the newsroom staff through another year of telling the stories that matter to you. We live in a world where the current headlines feel overwhelming as we navigate political divisions, global unrest, and the constant buzz of social media. Yet, here in the Hive, we have the opportunity to slow down and tell the stories that connect us, challenge us, and remind us that dissent, resilience, and hope thrive on our campus. Our stories don’t just stop when we enter the roundabout on Lakeside Drive; they ripple outward, connecting us with our neighbors, local leaders, and a broader Lynchburg community that shares our challenges and celebrates our triumphs.
This fall, our newsroom will once again be led by Editor-in-Chief Jacob Clavijo, who is a journalism major in the Communication Studies department. Jacob understands that journalism is a license to listen and to be curious. Under Jacob’s leadership, I know the Critograph will continue to be a space where students, faculty, and staff see themselves reflected and where we can continue to ask the buzzing questions about our community.
Like any Hive, the Critograph newsroom thrives because of the incredible staff and guest storytellers who keep the spirit of the university’s founders, Josephus and Sarah Hopwood, alive. If you’ve ever thought about sharing your perspective, I encourage you to get involved with the newspaper. Drop by on production nights, Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in Schewel 370, or send us your ideas at critograph@lynchburg.edu. You can also stop by one of our events this year. We would love to hear from you.
Even as our world feels uncertain, local stories still matter. They remind us of the value of community and the power of connection. Our university is alive with energy, humor, kindness, compassion, creativity, and a lot of squirrels. It is my sincere hope that as you read the Critograph this year, you see yourselves and feel a sense of belonging in our shared story and that the newspaper remains a space for meaningful dialogue, honest storytelling, and yes, even a little campus gossip along the way.
Don’t forget to subscribe to www.thecritograph.com and follow us on:
- Instagram: @Critograph
- Facebook: @TheCritograph
- Tik Tok: @Critograph
- Twitter: @theCritograph
Cheers to a year of compelling stories, strong voices, and plenty of buzz around the Hive.
And remember, it’s always a Great Day To Be a HORNET!
