This school year kicked off with new student leaders paving the way to what should be a remarkable semester in the Communications Department.

Nila Priyambodo, Valerie Rojas and Casey Oliver have been chosen for the top positions on the magazine, newspaper and radio station.

Priyambodo, a junior journalism major, as editor of La Verne Magazine, brings diligent work and competence, having earned the position after serving just one semester on staff.

“I know it is going to be hard to publish an issue as good as prior issues,” Priyambodo said. “But this issue will be a good one.”

Campus Times' editor in chief Rojas, a senior journalism major, likewise was hired for her exceptional journalism skills and maturity.

“She's got a really good sense of what makes a good story and what makes a good paper,” said Campus Times Faculty Adviser and Associate Professor of Journalism, Elizabeth Zwerling.

Oliver's passion for music and her dedication to KULV earned her the spot of program director for the radio station.

Unlike the other positions, which last only one semester, Oliver’s position calls for a year-long commitment.

“We chose Casey because of her experience with the radio station and her passion for KULV,” said Mike Laponis, professor of communications and KULV general manager.

Oliver, a senior radio broadcast major, plans to get the ULV community more involved with the radio station and to air the most current songs tailored to the students’ taste.

“We’re just trying to get more students to participate,” Oliver said. “We really like to get input.”

These high-ranking positions come with their share of responsibilities, but with advisors at their sides and a supportive staff, Priyambodo, Rojas and Oliver will make this semester one to remember.

After working with her adviser on the Campus Times for six semesters, Rojas referred to Zwerling as her right hand and co-worker in the newspaper's production process.

“We're in good hands,” Rojas said.

Priyambodo acknowledges that her job would be a lot more difficult without the support of George Keeler, the La Verne Magazine adviser and communications department chairman.

“He has a lot of faith in me to make this issue the best yet,” Priyambodo said.

Setting the highest standards for the upcoming semester is not a question for these three, even though previous editors have left a challenge.

“In the past semesters we have won many awards and I don’t think this year will be any different,” Rojas said.

The La Verne Magazine was recognized as a National Mark of Excellence publication by the Society of Professional Journalists and will receive acclaim for this at the SPJ national conference in October.

“[Priyambodo] along with other staff members, has brought us to a high water mark in our Journalism Department,” Keeler said.
“And it is people like Nila who brought us to best in the nation status,” Keeler added.

The magazine is lucky this semester to have many of the Campus Times editors join the staff.
Priyambodo said her confidence in the magazine’s success has largely to do with the quality of her underlings.

“This is like the all-star staff,” Priyambodo said. “I really have faith in them and I know it will be a great semester.”

Rojas likewise is confident the newspaper will have one of its best semesters yet largely because of her staff of veterans.

“I got really lucky this year because there are a lot of good editors,” Rojas said. “I have a lot of strong people helping me out. I look forward to producing awesome issues and having a great semester working with a really talented staff of writers.”

As for KULV, Oliver added that she too is looking forward to an excellent year.

“I think we’re going to do a good job,” Oliver said.

Yelena Ovcharenko can be reached at yovcharenko@ulv.edu.