Anyone who knows me knows I’ve lived in quite a few places. That experience of moving was foundational to my journalism career and much of who I am today. Moving a lot means “home” is a non-constant. As a result, I learned to find home elsewhere — in friends, in family, in my yellow lab, Hoshi.

My time at Syracuse University was much like the rest of my life. In four years here, I lived in a handful of places, including semesters away in D.C. and Strasbourg, and a summer interning in Arizona. Through all those destinations, I found home in The Daily Orange.

I joined The D.O. as a second-semester sophomore, later than many. I did one semester as a digital assistant in news before jetting off for dream back-to-back semesters on Capitol Hill and in France. But wherever I was — whether it was a train station in Paris, the floor of the United States Senate or a hostel in Munich — The D.O. was the home I looked toward.

I was lucky enough to get a senior year homecoming. I spent my spring and summer transitioning into the SME role I held in the fall, and I served as digital managing editor in the spring. I spent that time guiding our paper to a record-shattering year of analytics, and sidequesting an array of stories on license plate readers and university politics. After three marvelous semesters, a stint in management and plenty of surprises, I now say goodbye to home and the people who made it so special.

Something else I learned from my moves is that “home,” wherever or whoever you find it in, never really leaves you. The D.O. will be no different. Until next time, 230 Euclid.

***

Sophia: I couldn’t have done any of it without you. It’s mind-boggling to think that we didn’t actually meet (or work in the same time zone) until last August, despite having worked together since April 2025. What began with a spring of trying new things and a summer of revamping literally everything turned into an unbreakable partnership. You were my go-to at work, the only person as nocturnal as I am and a cornerstone of the digital room we commandeered. Thank you for pushing me to be better every day.

Kendall: How lucky did I get to end up in your S’24 newsroom? If you recall, I applied to every section in-house, so it was fate, divine intervention, maybe, that landed me a spot on your team. You led our paper with determination, toughness and care. It was an honor to be on your news staff, your head ed staff and your management team. Thank you for taking a chance on me, on more than one occasion. A lot of my journalism career is the product of your faith in me.

Rose: When I left The D.O. back in 2024, I was so distracted by the adventure ahead that I didn’t bother to think about the senior year that would follow. But the first week in Strasbourg, outside of the Free Mobile store in Place Kléber, you told me of your plans to return to management with Kendall. Thank you for empowering me to join you. Transitioning from my tiny Canopée apartment was not the glorious D.O. return we may have imagined, but it was one of my most cherished moments of college. I’m so blessed to share memories of abroad and management with you.

James: From the day we sat down for our first day of work, a mid-day FaceTime call at the Starbucks in downtown Strasbourg, I knew we would work well together. Thank you for making my transition into the SME role seamless, for supporting Sophia and me and for creating a digital-first culture at The D.O. There is a certain aura to digital now that your phone editing and mega screen undoubtedly laid the foundation for — and your willingness to buck the status quo was infectious. Thank you for always being on my team.

Charlotte: I was intent on finding a strong successor to the first SME. From the first time we had coffee, I knew that was you. You are witty and smart, you work efficiently and you create connections everywhere you go. You also penned some of the best stories of the school year. Those skills will take you far, and the positive presence you bring to any room will take you farther. Enjoy your corporate summer, but please do come back to journalism!

Katie Crews: I don’t even know when you arrived at The D.O., but suddenly you were there every night. I really admire what you brought to our dig room this year. Your whimsy and sharp creativity were key to building out the digital culture I wanted to bring to our paper. Thank you for being awesome. Have fun on your extended vacation this fall.

Ilana: The D.O.’s confidant. Thank you for taking laps around the block with me as I melted down over some insignificant problem or wondered if I was burning out. I think you and I really understand each other because we’re the same kind of addicted to perfection. Though it’s probably not too healthy, it’s why I admire your work and enjoyed collaborating with you so much. Now that we’ve passed the reins, what are we to do with this newfound boredom? You’ll have to text me when you find the answer, because I have no idea.

Quinn: It’s overwhelming, I know, but you’re stepping into the coolest job at this paper. I’ve thought about you for this role since you were an above-and-beyond dig assistant last fall, and I’m so excited to see what you do. DME is so awesome. You get to move between sections unlike anyone else, you get to say yes to things no one else can and you develop relationships everywhere. Have fun, take on new things and be an advocate for the vis staff. And take it all in, because it ends before you realize.

Claire: Management can attest to the fact that I was on the CZ bandwagon long before it was trendy. Every night, I was blown away by your creativity and how little editing your work required. You are the right person for the SME role — you have the opportunity to keep shaping it into something amazing. I have no doubt that you’ll do that, and more.

Abby: I can’t lie, the unfilled DDD job opening kept me up at night for a lot of the semester. Then I realized you were going to apply, and my worries washed away. DDD is so important to everything we do in digital, and you will be no exception. Your creative vision and presence in the newsroom are already wonderful. I’m glad we stole you from print!

Delia, Nuss: Figured I’d get you in the habit of being addressed as a duo. Both of you impressed me so much as head eds. Delia, you covered a chaotic news cycle with poise and focus. Nuss, you juggled a lot of personnel and covered a bunch of really terrible sports teams so thoughtfully. It’s no surprise that you’re back for management — and I’m so excited for what your year will entail.

Skilyan: The D.O. is home for me, I hope it became home for you, too. I’m not quite sure how you found 230 Euclid, but I’m so glad you did. You made our dig room and the house better. I’m glad you got to cook up a few graphics between your many travels. The Daily Orange vous regrettera lorsque vous serez de retour en France.

Asst. dig F’25, S’26: Digital editors keep the paper going! Not everyone sees the work you put in, but I always did. Thank you for the late nights, the weekends and the off-clock effort.

Zoey, Lily and anyone else who made web graphics: I spent my nights running around The D.O., and I knew dig design was always set. You all did awesome work, and you did it with independence and professionalism. Zoey, thank you for being so reliable and consistent. Lily, I appreciate all your work, both on web and in print. Yes, even Henry and Quinn get a shoutout for their graphics. Thank you all for making my life easier.

Ave: It got to a point where I didn’t want to take a story if you weren’t the photog. Mostly because you are obsessed with making everything as good as it can be, but also because you are a delight to work with. Thank you for skipping class to follow me on my random stories, for talking me up on my road trip offer and for always being willing to listen. You made our paper better this year, and I have a sneaky suspicion you’ll be back to do more of that in the future.

Alumkal: There aren’t words grandiloquent enough to convey how wonderful you are. I admire how much you read, your vast lexicon and the fact you often ran home from Euclid to South Campus. Even more, I look up to your commitment to making sports welcoming, and your visible desire to lead with kindness. Those are the traits that make me proud to call you my friend, the excellent writing is just a bonus. RCTID.

Jordan: It took a trip to Storrs and another to Boston to establish our friendship. Better late than never. I was rooting for you long before you probably knew I was. Not that you needed my support, you’re beyond ready for this job and have been for a while. I will keep rooting for you as you navigate your semester as a head ed, the adventure abroad that will follow and whatever you decide to do as a senior. I do hope you keep me up-to-date on your plans, and I promise I’ll get you that drink I owe you eventually.

Photo F’25, S’26: As one of the most mediocre of your alumni, I have always felt strongly about the photo section. Our best-in-class visuals are a huge piece of what makes The D.O. great, and the relationships I developed with photographers at various assignments and coverages always meant a lot to me. Thanks for all you do.

Tara: When we were at the Inn on Storrs, I remember watching you intently comb through The D.O. and a handful of other UConn and Iowa State publications. You were so excited to get your awesome March Madness photos published, but you were also curious about what our competition was up to. Your passion for what you do is really evident. It made you a great road trip buddy, and it’ll make you a better photo editor.

Eli: Every time I came into vis, I found you grinning. It was contagious. You are so positive and funny, it makes me want to put everything down and hear your stories. You are also a wicked photographer — you claimed the men’s lacrosse photo beat with quality images and did whatever you were assigned well. I’m bummed we didn’t get a road trip in, so our dining hall runs will have to suffice.

Brenne: I don’t know how you balanced all the stuff you had and still did news editor with such aplomb. I’m so thrilled we got to cover the chancellor announcement, and that you got to Joe Biden and ESF as much as you did. You led through a ridiculous news cycle and pushed a young staff through rocky times for higher ed and our university. Enjoy your earned retirement.

Arabella: I had a handful of really great conversations with you over the course of the spring semester and, judging from your relationships across the house, so did a lot of other people. Your knack for telling and finding impactful stories will make you an excellent news editor.

Mia: You are everything a head ed should be. Your culture budget was always so awesome, and was a huge part of our Instagram follower boost last fall. I’m sure it must warm your heart to see Mia Jones F’25 alumni doing amazing things! Your presence was missed deeply at The D.O. this spring, so I’m glad I got to bump into you at Crate and Medi Combo when I did.

Eliana: You amaze me. Dependable is an understatement. Your culture budget was also so amazing. You found some really cool stories and told them in inventive ways, while stewarding a staff with empathy and kindness. You will be an exceptional development editor, and whatever else you get up to here before you depart.

Zuck: You’re not reeaaalll. Aside from making probably the most thorough packet of all time, you poured your all into getting the culture editor gig and the other jobs you worked since I met you last fall. From the day I faded you in Target to the late-night Denny’s run in the twilight of my D.O. career, I’ve quite enjoyed the time we shared in-house. Keep doing great things, and keep in touch.

Savannah: You and I share a passion for student journalism and its role on campus. Your editorial board from the fall did a brilliant job of codifying that mutual fire. Every newsroom needs a fighter like you.

Grace: You made op the place to be, and cultivated a warm section other staff wanted to be around. Congrats on officially getting Absence of Light back off the ground!

Layla: The graphics queen, thank you for being a pleasant and dependable presence last fall. I always appreciated your attention to detail and your visual eye. I’m sorry you have to return to Syracuse after a semester in Australia.

Will, Addy: This is the best duo ever. Your teamwork and partnership are awesome. Both of you had really strong semesters in op, and I look forward to seeing what you both do next at The D.O. The section is in really capable hands.

Mauricio: I sometimes had trouble getting the dig assistants to show up to dig meeting, but not you. Your presence, your determination to answer the question with real consideration and your occasional graphics comments were always appreciated. I just can’t imagine The D.O. house without you — I’m glad I don’t have to find out firsthand what that’ll look like. Thankfully, I’m sure you’ll be around as development editor, a role that I’m stoked to watch you build out, and beyond.

Addie: Thank you for helping me relive my Sadler days. You’re so much more involved on campus than I was at your age, it’s seriously impressive. I’m so glad you’re going to be PD, although I may have tried to snag you for dig earlier this semester. I look forward to becoming a frequent Issuu viewer to follow your work.

Harris: My official story is that I said yes to driving to Storrs because I wanted to go watch March Madness. The real reason is that I wanted to strengthen my friendships with you guys. I’m happy to say I achieved my goal. Watching your Twitter aura ignite, learning about your Dunkin’ obsession and sharing a couple of Applebee’s meals with you in the greatest city in America really built a beautiful bond. Let’s run it back sometime, in Connecticut, ideally.

Joel: Dune 3.

Eliza, Sam and Davis: I threw a lot of random, thankless tasks at the three of you this school year, some harder than others. I appreciate the quick, professional way you dealt with all of them. More importantly, I always loved your presence in the house. Your desire to do good work was apparent, and the small and big things you did for our website made a huge impact. IT doesn’t get enough plaudits — thank you on behalf of the whole staff.

Kevin Ross: The D.O. doesn’t run without you. We appreciate you so much.

Sammy: What an honor it was to win the coveted Samuel V. Kennedy III Newhouse award alongside you. That dub was the icing on the cake for what’s been an epic friendship forged at The D.O. and built out at the D.N.C. and in various Newhouse classrooms. You were both my first and last cobyline at this paper. I’m so thankful that we met when we did and that our friendship outlasted our short time as coworkers. On to whatever’s next!

Kate: My lovely professional colleague. I survived VIS 231 and JNL 530 with you, that’s almost more impressive than everything we did at The D.O. I’m glad I got to take both those Newhouse canon events with you, and for the cool coverage we managed to squeeze in between them.

Ahna: You are the best of us. What a shame that we only got one semester. I think our cobylines, a write-up about algal blooms and a story from the floor of the D.N.C., sum up our friendship well. You are one of the most thoughtful, clever journalists I’ve ever met. I’ve looked up to you since our semester in-house. Hopefully, our reunion isn’t too far away.

Julia: You and I wrote a lot of stories in my first semester in-house. I wish I could’ve kept that up when you took over as news editor, but I had other plans (sorry!). I am glad we got to get back to it when you returned as enterprise editor. The busy news cycle gave you a lot of material, and you handled it all with grace. Thanks for being so reliable from day one.

Bridget: I spent a lot of time in your vis room. It was probably the most impactful thing I did as a digital assistant. Picking your visual brain was a foundation for my return to The D.O., it informed a lot of my vis-centric decision-making. It remains a tragedy we only got one semester in-house together.

Henry: Truly the best kid. I’m so lucky that you ended up in dig when you did, even though your elaborate graphics pitches occasionally gave me a headache. You were a very important piece of the early digital room we built last fall. Our fortuitous shared front page is one of my highlights from the year, and enshrines a valuable friendship that I’m so lucky to have found in the digIT room.

Joe: Your first impression of me was the rain-induced destruction of my MacBook at a men’s soccer game. I hope I redeemed that image. Thank you for coming in and working photo and graphics with us when I was SME. That Canadian Hulk illo is etched into D.O. history.

Cassie: You may not remember this, but you were the first person to tell me to work at The D.O. In our COM 107 class, you helped me get set up on the photo Slack. You were the first person I consulted when I made my first DME packet. Thank you for your kindness and for always being in my corner.

News F’25, S’26: Dig is everything, but I am a news guy deep down. Above all else, thank you for giving me the University Senate beat! Jokes aside, your section covered the university with the rigor and focus all student newsrooms should. I appreciate you squeezing me into your budget on more than one occasion.

News S’24: Thank you for welcoming me to The D.O. It was an honor to dig for y’all.

Management S’24: A model of good leadership. I’m lucky to have learned from the three of you.

Mama, Papa, Sophia and Hoshi: Thank you for rooting me through each stage of my college career, including my all-consuming three semesters at The D.O. I know my time at the paper bled into every FaceTime call and family vacation we had — and was particularly apparent when you went days without hearing from me — thank you for dealing with that. I appreciate your unwavering support and the advice you gave me in the many locations I explored while at SU. I look forward to the day we’re all on the same time zone, if it ever comes. I love you.

Published on May 1, 2026 at 10:43 pm
Contact Griffin: gbrown19@syr.edu