A First Letter from the New Editor

By Austin Price, Editor in Chief

If you had told me last fall that after one year of college, I would become the Editor in Chief of Regis University’s student-run publication, the Highlander, I would’ve thought you were crazy. But yet, here I am, taking on a coveted role that I am honored to have. 

I have been a bookworm and writer for as long as I can remember. Literature has always been my favorite subject in school and writing has always come naturally to me. Whether it was a novel I wrote in 8th grade, news articles and reviews I wrote in high school, or poetry, short stories, and journalism pieces I write now, I have loved words with all my heart. While I’m not a big social person, I speak the introvert’s language, writing. 

I was given this extraordinary opportunity by my mentor, colleague, and friend, Morgan Jacobus, our previous Editor in Chief who advanced this publication and fostered its growth for the past three years. I will admit, stepping into the role in which the former leader was so successful is a little daunting. But, here we are, and I’m going to give it my best shot. 

I am determined to take on this responsibility as the new leader of the Highlander with professionalism, growth, open mindedness, bravery, and respect. I choose to follow the example of Morgan. I choose to make the Highlander a place for creativity, knowledge, opinions, investigations, progression, exploration and discovery. 

As the new leader of the Highlander, my primary goals are expanded levels of community outreach, building connections with other student groups at Regis, collaboration between our wonderful faculty and students, and ultimately, to write, report, and declare the world as we see it, and how we see it affects us.

The Regis Highlander is a strong, powerful publication that allows the students of Regis University to connect with, relate to, and question our world, our ideals, our values, our failures, and our victories. It is one that is not biased, but one that is a constant quest for betterment and progression. 

And so, I come to you as an equal. As a fellow Ranger, with a voice, a head, and a heart that are all worth recognizing. I promise to be your advocate, your leader, and above all else, your writer. Because what is a writer without people to write about? 

A Last Letter from the Editor

By Morgan Jacobus, Editor in Chief

I have had the privilege of serving as Editor in Chief of this publication for the past three years. I was fortunate to have been given the opportunity at the end of my freshman year by my prior editor, Catie. Just as she took a chance on me, I did the same by passing my title on to freshman staff writer, Austin Price. She will be supported by Madelynn Loring and Sandra Vo, who have been dedicated members of my team for the past two years.

In reflection on my time, I have had highs and lows of things I wish I had done while being proud of what I was able to accomplish on my own. It has just been me supporting this publication for the past few years, and I hope that I was able to build a steady enough foundation for my colleagues to carry it on without me.

This journey began by chance back in 2019, when I stumbled across a RUSGA Instagram story highlighting that the Highlander was tabling in the Student Center. Upon seeing that fated post, I high-tailed my way to the student center from my work study job, making it in the nick of time as they were packing up their materials. Lo and behold, I was invited to their staff meeting, and my relationship with this publication began.

I remember my first published article about Regis’ club fair. From there, I continued covering Regis events, including the annual trick-or-treat street, Drag Show, and Social Justice Week. Week after week I would show up eager to each of the staff meetings, waiting to see what assignment was next for me. A few months later, Catie tells me that I am her top choice for taking over the publication and that she would transition me in March.

For my fellow seniors, you might recall that mid-March was when we were sent home because of COVID. I was the last to publish an article that semester, with my perspective piece on COVID. A few months later, I had a brief Zoom meeting with the then-editor and publisher, and that was it. The publication was mine, but now what?

I began in a bit of a scramble, and to be honest it was a bit of a blur, but bit by bit I established myself as the new head honcho. My dear adviser, Sue Sci, helped me bring this publication out of the dirt and into the light. I started with a small staff, which grew the next year and the next.

I attribute part of my success to my decision to give my writers free rein. Whatever they wanted to write, I said go for it. Since there were no events to cover the first few months of my editorship, I figured why not publish more op-eds? Soon I saw my writers grow into distinct writing voices and styles, and I couldn’t be prouder.

Today, I can say that I printed two issues, had several articles published in the local newspaper the Denver North Star, finally held the community event I’d been dreaming of, and found three lovely ladies to pass the reins off to. When it came time to hand over everything, it became clear to me how much work I had done in my three years, especially with the relationships I built.

As I depart into the great unknown, I want to humbly thank all who have supported me throughout this journey. It has been an honor to be your editor these past three years, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to lead this publication to where it is today.