Staff Editorial: Life goes on, even at The Lamron

For the past three semesters, The Lamron has functioned with much of the same editorial staff, specifically in our highest leadership positions, with senior English literature major Frances Sharples as our editor-in-chief and senior psychology major Emma Mincer as our managing editor.

This May, we say goodbye to these members, as well as arts and entertainment editor Matt Keller, co-news editor Carly Burgio, and photo editor Mollie Wadhams; however, we also welcome in a new e-board of Lamron members new and old. This includes a new editor-in-chief, junior sociomedical sciences and communications double major Kaitlin Anzalone, and managing editor, senior English creative writing major Ella Pearcy. Here’s what else is changing with next year’s Lamron.

Since Spring 2021, the most massive change The Lamron has seen is the transition from remote learning and publishing in the peak points of the COVID-19 pandemic to in-person printing; in other words, we’ve gone from being an invisible force on campus to a physical presence. We’ve been able to meet writers and members face-to-face, cultivating more authentic connections than are possible via computer screen. With this, our community engagement has improved significantly, though we still have a long way to go.

One of our major goals for next year’s Lamron staff is raising awareness about the simple fact that anyone—yes, anyone!—can be a part of this organization, whether you’re an English or communications major looking to finesse your resume or just someone with an interest in photography or writing, and a couple of extra hours to kill on a Thursday. Regardless of your major, experience, or availability, there is something for everyone at The Lamron.

The easiest way to get involved in The Lamron is simply by stopping by, either during our meetings on Thursdays at 5 p.m. in The Lamron office, or anytime you see a human in the office. Contrary to popular belief, The Lamron is possibly one of the least intimidating and most welcoming organizations on campus—though the commitment of a full-time e-board member is daunting, no general member (or even vaguely-interested student) is expected or required to dedicate their time or sanity to The Lamron to the extent that our editors and managers choose to.

These general meetings have recently moved back to the office, whereas meetings prior to the Spring 2023 semester had been held in the Hunt Room or remotely on Zoom. Having the meetings back in the office creates a stronger connection between the e-board and writers, as there is more of a community feeling. “There used to be this disconnect between the writers and the editors, and since being back in the office we have seen more of a family-like relationship,” said Anzalone.

Not only has the connection between Lamron members improved, but so has the office space itself—our office is now fully functional after an extensive renovation which included seven new computers, new desks, and a long-awaited couch. With this renovation, the e-board has been able to print in the Lamron office for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the first time in many years, editors were able to establish their place at a desk and hold regular office hours without complication.

As an organization, we are grateful for our current student involvement and we are looking forward to cultivating more engagement from the rest of the Geneseo campus. The future of The Lamron remains unknown, but as an organization, we expect great things in the upcoming semester.