Ah … (I sigh with relief, but also with a tinge of sadness) because it’s time that I bid farewell to The Mirror and introduce the next Editor of the paper: Kathleen Morris ‘26.
Morris began her stint at the paper as an Assistant News Editor, shortly moving up to Managing Editor, where she revitalized the paper’s social media presence, often receiving glowing praise for her work from students and departments across campus.
Morris’ journalistic capabilities are diverse, ranging from breaking news content published online (think when the Tasty Yolk food truck caught fire), to long-form feature pieces built for print and online. For one article, she spent hours interviewing the inaugural cohort of faculty at Bellarmine Campus to create an article that garnered over 35,000 views online.
Her ability to adapt, create personable connections and energize a team puts her in this front and center role, and she’s ready to lead the paper and take it in new directions.
Morris’ ability to confront conflict, advocate for others, maintain her integrity and stay dedicated to The Mirror (at times even making The Mirror office her second home on campus), makes her more than deserving of this role.
Still, it’s not a role that occurs in solitude, and Morris will have The Mirror staff supporting her as each member works together to uphold the paper’s mission in serving the campus community.
Further led by editorial board members Julian Nazario Martir ‘26, Danny McElroy ‘26 and Caitlin Shea ‘27, The Mirror will continue to dedicate itself to journalistic integrity while offering all students the opportunity to explore journalism.
Extending an invitation to be in community with The Mirror
When next academic year beckons everyone back to the residence halls and academic buildings, The Mirror plans to host a Meet the Editors event for the entire campus community.
The Mirror is, of course, already ingrained in the community, attending club fairs and hosting weekly pitch meetings that welcome more and more students every semester; however, we want to also extend our community to faculty, staff, and anyone who reads the paper.
The event will be informal—an opportunity for the campus community to explore The Mirror’s work and meet the new editorial team. I imagine the next Editor setting up a table in the Barone Campus Center near the Tully, striking up conversations with students and faculty as they pass by. Or perhaps it evolves into something larger: a gathering in the Dogwood Room, complete with food and a warm invitation to all of campus. However it takes shape, the vision will rest in the Editor’s hands.
In the spirit of transparency, at its core this event is about building connections: The Mirror depends on the engagement of students, faculty and administration alike. By meeting face to face, forming relationships and building trust, The Mirror can ensure its reporting becomes not only more accurate but more meaningful. It’s through these connections that the paper’s stories will become stronger and more reflective of the community it serves.
With that in mind, The Mirror realizes that it’s not always easy, or I daresay safe, for faculty without tenure or for certain administrators to sit down with The Mirror for an interview—and we completely understand.
However, at the same time, if faculty and administrators feel they cannot speak for themselves, instead feeling unable to comment or allowing others to draft statements and speak on their behalf, is that not a form of censorship? Does that not mirror the overwhelming political ideology of today that silences voices that dissent?
In today’s climate, journalism needs to thrive at every level, whether it be a national or a campus-wide paper; and with everyone’s engagement, the paper will continue to improve and be there for the Fairfield community.
For over three years now, Mirror Monday’s have taken up space in my calendar and in my mind; and while it’s never been easy, it’s always been worth it.
In all honesty, I have never taken a journalism class, and while the professors teaching in its department are irreplaceable and serve as advisors and mentors to myself and The Mirror staff, I’ve learned the most from my fellow students on staff.
Without Erica Schindler ‘25, Jacqui Rigazio ‘25, Sophia Cossitt-Levy ‘27, Olivia Marceda ‘28, Conor Doonan ‘28, Fiona Wagner ‘27, Talia Scarpa ‘28, Crystal Arbelo ‘27, Brady Carter ‘27, Brendan Moriarty ‘28, Trent Ouelette ‘25, Sam Ponessa ‘25, Ryan Marquardt ‘25 and the countless others who’ve written and taken part in The Mirror, it would not be what it is today.
