by Alisha Rosas
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Editors for the Campus Times and the La Verne Magazine for Spring semester were selected by a unanimous decision made by the faculty of the Communications Department earlier this week.
Senior journalism major Damien Alarcon, was selected as editor in chief for the Campus Times.
Alarcon has been involved on the newspaper’s staff for four semesters and has held three editorial board positions prior to next semester.
“It’s not like I’m the best, but I guess I’m one of the hardest workers, and I think others see it,” Alarcon said.
As to how he manages his busy schedule, Alarcon said, “I just try to stay on top of the water and try not to get sucked in and drown.”
Eric Bishop, associate professor of journalism and adviser for the Campus Times said that he believes that the experience Alarcon has and his “laid back style will make him relate well to his staff.”
“I think that will earn him the respect of the Campus Times staff,” Bishop said.
Alarcon said that he already has plans to improve the efficiency of the newsroom next semester. “I want to push the writers to meet deadlines and to be enthused about the newspaper.”
“I want to make the Campus Times one of their top priorities, as it is for me,” he said. “I only want to do the best that I can. I know it’s a big responsibility and I wanted to take it I’ve wanted it for awhile now.”
Alarcon will be working exclusively with sophomore journalism major Erica Paal, who was chosen as photography editor for the Campus Times.
Senior communications major Allison Moore will be editor in chief for the La Verne Magazine this spring. Moore has served two semesters on the magazine staff.
Moore admitted she was surprised when the position was offered to her. “I was floored by it. I was not even planning to be on the magazine next semester but when they offered me the position I was shocked. It is really flattering.”
Dr. George Keeler, professor of journalism and adviser of the magazine, said that he feels that Moore has grown as a writer over the last two semesters.
“She has a quiet leadership style that is very attractive,” he said. “Allison communicates well, she also understands what a magazine story is as well as sources and how to do in-depth research.”
Dr. Keeler said that it was not an easy decision determining who would be editor next semester. “We had many good people to chose from,” he said. “It was a hard decision to make, but it was the right decision.”
He then explained what faculty members look for in a nominee for such positions. “The relationship between the adviser and the student is important, and is just as important as the relationship between the editor and her staff.”
Moore is already using her leadership skills to set goals and ideas for the coming semester. “I really want to have the magazine out during the semester,” Moore said in regard to meeting deadlines.
“There are ideas I have about deadlines and assignments for the staff, ways for the staff to write better and ways for them to have more depth in their stories,” she said.
Since Dr. Keeler will be on sabbatical leave next spring, Bishop will be taking his position as adviser. Although Moore has never worked with him, she said, “I think he’s great, and I’m really looking forward to learning from him.”
Bishop has confidence in Moore as well, “She’s a proven leader on campus and I’m pretty sure she’ll be able to transfer that leadership to the La Verne Magazine staff.”
Moore will work with senior journalism major Matt Wright, who was selected as photography editor for the magazine.
Journalism operations manager at the University of La Verne. Production manager and business manager of the Campus Times.
