For years, the most frequent response when people found out we’re pursuing journalism is some variation of, “Why would you do that?”

The stereotype that journalists are arrogant and sneaky turns most people away from the job. Growing distrust in the media over recent years has given journalism a negative connotation. 

For us, however, journalism has never been about the public eye; it’s been about making an impact and telling stories. Somewhere between late-night editing sessions, breaking news coverage, coffee-fueled meetings and moments of complete chaos, somehow, this newspaper created an impact on us. Most of us spent every Wednesday evening of our college careers huddled in Kedzie 116. There wasn’t a day we didn’t think of the next issue, and as we move forward into our post-grad lives, there won’t be a day that goes by that we don’t use the skills we developed under the writing-covered ceiling of the newsroom. 

From the graduating seniors of The K-State Collegian editorial board to the students and staff who’ve allowed us to tell your story, thank you for the privilege. 

My four years with The Collegian have been nothing short of a formative experience. When I walked into my first staff meeting, I remember feeling intimidated and worried about where I’d fit on staff. It didn’t take more than two meetings for me to form a connection with the news editor at that time, Maggie Latenser, and I found myself wanting to support the newspaper in any way I could — not for my own benefit, but because the paper provided me with a sense of purpose that carried me through college. 

That purpose derived from the connections made and stories learned, not just from sources but from the people I worked with and came to know so well. 

There’s one moment in particular that will stick with me for a while. At this year’s Kansas Collegiate Media Conference, I was awarded Kansas Journalist of the Year — a huge honor I hadn’t anticipated. The award itself, however, wasn’t the highest reward. The true payoff came when I turned around to walk back to my seat after collecting my plaque, and I saw my fellow editors and advisor, Spencer O’Daniel, giving me a standing ovation and cheering for me with genuine pride and tears in their eyes. 

No accolade, no compliment, no award or certificate has ever filled me with the pride and love I’ve felt for my staff this year. We’ve been through a lot together, faced criticism, extreme change and moments that made our staff feel worthy of a sitcom. But seeing them standing and cheering for me, the person who’s been bossing them around all year, made me realize that one thing has remained constant: We will always show up for each other. No matter what sort of day I’m having, I know I can walk into the newsroom and immediately find several people I can count on to make me laugh or share solid advice. 

My time at The Collegian has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I want to extend the deepest thanks to my fellow editors, advisor Spencer O’Daniel and every editor who came before me and showed me the way.

I’d be remiss, however, if I acted like student journalism is all sunshine and rainbows. I cannot complete my time at The Collegian without addressing the growing necessity for independent journalism that seeks truth and holds those in power accountable. 

For decades, we’ve had prime examples of what happens to societies where leadership attempts to silence journalists and control the narrative. “1984,” “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” “The Hunger Games,” etc. — all of these, up until now, were far-fetched tales of dystopia we studied in school or watched for fun. However, revisiting these tales today will reveal concerning parallels to our world that we shouldn’t overlook. 

So, then, what can you do about this?

Student journalism must stay alive and independent. You have an obligation to ask the hard questions and never stop asking, no matter the pushback you may feel. You are so, so important, more so than you know, as a representative voice of K-State’s students. To keep this voice alive, never stop reporting. Never stop asking questions and never stop holding people accountable. The moment journalists become afraid to speak is the moment the public loses its right to know. Have the courage to dig and defend truth, always. 

Journalism is not a crime. 

Collegian chaos forever,

Meredith McCalmon, editor-in-chief

Newspapers and publications across the globe work hard to share stories and inform the public, but we have a unique opportunity here at The Collegian. Every week, we get to capture pieces of K-State history, storing them away for future generations to look back on this moment in time. The things that happen here on campus and in this town impact so many, and we are fortunate to be a part of it all. 

Throughout my three years with The Collegian, one as a staff photographer and two as multimedia editor,  I have had an array of experiences that I will carry with me forever. From capturing game-changing plays to simple things like a new business opening or an event on campus, I have been lucky to be able to share all of those stories, no matter how big or small, with all of you. It has been an amazing journey, and I am so grateful to be a part of something deeper than putting out a newspaper every Friday. 

Each year I have been at The Collegian has been vastly different. We have been thrown a few too many curveballs, adapted to change, overcome and grown. The Collegian has given me a place to grow as a person and a professional, shown and prepared me for what I want to spend my life’s work doing and given me a place to belong. I have gained a lifetime of memories, and this wouldn’t be possible without all of those who read and support our publication. So, thank you to you all, whoever and wherever you are, and however you are reading. 

See ya around! 

Grace Parks, multimedia editor

When I started working for my middle school yearbook, I never knew it would lead to my working for The Collegian at K-State. Throughout the years, I have worked for many different student media outlets. None will ever compare to The Collegian, the place I have called home and where I have been the most supported on campus here. The connections I have made along the way will forever hold a special place in my heart. I met the most supportive group of people at The Collegian and would not have survived Wednesdays without the 2025-26 editorial board. 

Ending my academic career at K-State has meant ending my student journalism career. Through the years of stressful nights and difficult moments, it has all been worth it, and I can confidently say I have no regrets. The way my skills have flourished in just the short time I have worked as a creative mind for The Collegian, I am forever grateful for. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along my journey. 

Stay creative, 

Haley Smith, graphic design chief

For me, it was never about the awards or the recognition we received throughout the years. It was about our team, the group of students and the bond we had with one another, pushing each other to gain confidence and continuously encouraging each other. All our experiences with The Collegian look vastly different, between different desks, delegations and roles. Somehow, we came together with one goal: to be proud of what we publish every week. I can confidently say there was not one issue we published that I was not proud of. I am proud of the team we have built, the memories we have made and the personal goals we have accomplished. Spending every Wednesday night in a room I love full well with endless laughter shared, has shaped me for the better. To the leaders before me, thank you for setting the curve. To my leader and fellow editors this year, thank you for going beyond expectations, and to the leaders after me, never take a second for granted. To The K-State Collegian, thank you for allowing me to grow, learn and create in a safe space. You will be remembered.  

Grow as you go, 

Libby Zuck, managing editor