Spring 2025 Champion Staff Goodbyes

Jason Tong – Digital Media Producer 

What started as a random phone call from a friend soon became an incredible opportunity for me to grow exponentially in my career field; I’d like to give a shoutout to Noah Seidlitz. Working at the Champion has truly been an honor. I never would’ve thought that I’d be filming on the football field, let alone Liberty’s Conference USA championship as well. I’ve made so many amazing memories at this job — the people here have made working at the newspaper an absolute blast. I’m sad to leave this amazing place but I’m grateful for how I spent my time here. I’m excited to see where God takes me in the future and I hope for nothing but the best for the Champion in the future. 

 

 

 

Raegan Doise – Graduate Student Assistant  

Community is invaluable; this is the greatest lesson I have learned during my time at the Champion. Over the past two years, I’ve worked with four sets of staff — none quite like the last — who pushed the boundaries regarding what true community means. I used to think of church groups and neighborhood gatherings, but I’ve come to realize community abounds in more places than that.  

It’s found in the little things: like gathering in the photo office for a moment of solace, or shared fits of delirious laughter during Monday production. Community is built on shared experiences and strengthened by people who challenge your perspective. Through it I’ve grown to appreciate the written word, recognize the power of storytelling and understand the importance of listening. 

The Champion community is one of a kind, and I will cherish it — and the friends I’ve made within it — for many years. 

 

Olivia Hess – Graphic Designer 

God delivered me to the Liberty Champion through a random meeting with a former designer. I had been stressing about where to find a job and what I would do for CSER. I was in the Liberty’s climbing gym when I mentioned that I was a graphic design major looking for a position, and she informed me that the Champion was hiring for the next semester. She asked me to come by the office and offered me the opportunity to do a design CSER, which would later result in me being hired as the new designer. This job has been a blessing in both work experience and meeting an abundance of new friends. Wherever God leads me in the future, the friends and experiences I gained through working at the Liberty Champion will continue to be blessings. 

 

 

 

Allison Mullet – Staff Writer 

Although I have only been with the Champion for a semester, I can confidently say that my time on staff has resulted in some of the most cherished memories of my senior year. This office has given me fun friendships, countless laughs and a shared love for telling stories.  

As a Staff Writer, I have been given ample opportunities to meet with people, hear their stories, and share them with our university and beyond. I’ve had the honor to write for every section in this paper, and while it has challenged me, it has given me the unique experience to write news stories, sports recaps, profiles and everything in between. 

Despite writing more articles than I can count, my most treasured moments have been those that have fostered relationships. Whether in the office or interviewing in the field, forming meaningful connections is what I loved most about this job. 

Here’s to a new chapter full of new stories. 

 

Trinity Merritt – Arts & Culture Editor 

It’s hard to believe that a random email request to become a CSER writer for the Champion during the summer before my freshman year would absolutely transform the course of my life. From interviewing Coffeehouse acts to covering gown exhibitions, the Champion has taught me so much about journalism, faith and community.  

There have been so many great memories created both in and out of the office. With crash outs over deleted projects, laughing over music choices and birthday celebrations, I will miss my teammates and my fellow editors — my friends.  

I encourage readers to the run the race that God has placed you on for this season, and may the Champion continue to pioneer journalism and faith for years to come. 

 

 

 

Julianna Graeber – Copy Editor 

While my time at the Champion has been brief, there is no doubt that it not only elevated the experience of senior year, but transformed the trajectory of my career journey as well. 

As a copy editor, I have had the privilege of working with a countless number of skilled writers and their articles. The opportunity to take valuable writing and polish it until it shines on page is endlessly exciting, and has effectively ignited my passion to continue doing so in any capacity I can professionally. 

Of course, the most crucial element of the Champion is the team and its collective passion to foster excellent journalism that honors the Lord and furthers the gospel. This semester has been a poignant blessing; may all of our past, present and future stories glorify the ultimate storyteller. 

Soli Deo gloria! 

 

Jaida Barber – Opinion Editor 

My time at the Champion has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had at Liberty University. Working here has given me some of my favorite memories, and being able to be a part of something so many people see across Virginia has been truly special to me. 

I am so grateful for the experience I gained working as both the off-campus news and opinion editor, and for the talented people I got to work alongside and eventually befriend. As an editor, I can confidently say that my skills in writing, leadership and InDesign have grown so much that I now feel confident in my ability to hold my own wherever I end up after graduation. 

I am so blessed to have been offered a position at the Champion because it gave me a way to get my work out into the world and write about things that truly interest me. I never would have guessed that the practicum class I signed up for at the last-minute would turn into one of my proudest accomplishments. 

 

Anna Wheat – Photography Editor 

After 2.5 years with the Liberty Champion, I’m finally saying goodbye. Being a photographer and photo editor has taught me so much and given me a front-row seat to the Champion’s seasons of growth and change. Shoutout Mrs. Huff for taking a chance on me and my little Nikon D40x — I’ll always be grateful. I’ve covered hundreds of events, learned more about my craft with each one and made friendships I’ll never forget (you know who you are). To the new and returning staff: Please keep the quote board alive. I’m excited to see where God takes me next! 

 

 

 

 

Kristina Smith – Web & Social Media Manager 

I can confidently say that my three years at the Liberty Champion have been the best time of my life. On my very first production day, we worked at the office until 1 a.m., and yet, it was one of the most fun moments I’ve ever had. I knew from that day on that my position would become so much more than just a student job. I’ve learned that everyone has a unique story, and the way it’s told is important. To Mrs. Huff, thank you for being so much more than just a boss to me — the lessons you taught me will stick with me forever. To Logan, thank you for being the best (you rock). To Dr. Young, thank you for your steady and kind leadership. Jeremiah 29:11.  

 

 

 

 

Kadence McKinnon – Off-Campus News Editor 

For my first year on campus (which doubled as my senior year), I had a plan; I would join the Champion as a practicum student and then diversify my portfolio by joining another campus media opportunities the following semester. But then I experienced what it’s like to be part of a team who supports your growth every step of the way.   

And now, as the off-campus news editor, I relish that support even more.  

I wouldn’t give up my time with the Champion for anything. I’ve built friendships over coffee runs and late Monday nights, traveled back and forth to Washington, D.C. and laughed over some of the wild things you only hear when working in a newsroom.    

I wish every blessing on this team. They’ve built into my life and more than once encouraged me to actually get some rest and lay off the coffee; I hope that our readers will get to have that experience one day too.