FROM THE EDITOR

As I look back on this past year, I’m reminded of an unwavering pursuit of knowledge and a dedication to tell nuanced stories of ASU’s community. Whether it was encouraging writers to persevere through obstacles in their reporting process or hearing the multimedia staff ideate meaningful visuals that added statements to each page, it has been my greatest pleasure to lead the magazine’s production and oversee a team of talented individuals. 

When I was in high school, chasing budding dreams of being an impactful journalist and desperately reviving the student-led newspaper and magazine, I never thought I would someday be the editor-in-chief of my college magazine. Suddenly, I found myself leaving everything I knew and loved in the middle of the Pacific Ocean to further my education… in the middle of a desert. 

I was unsure of what Arizona would bring me, but I soon found myself embracing my love for learning and writing. I sharpened my reporting skills by becoming a sponge to the brilliant minds around me; I immersed myself in communities, allowing them to guide me through their stories; and I found a greater purpose through social work, bridging my passion for storytelling to helping others. 

I stuck to my Native Hawaiian roots, placing importance on preserving culture and being a good steward of the land. I have defended, and always will defend, the value of long-form writing, print work, engagement journalism and reporting on the things you’re passionate about.

Throughout my whirlwind college career, my one constant was the ever-bold, ever-risk-taking, ever-provoking (and sometimes provocative) State Press Magazine. From writing about theater students in my first story almost four years ago, to pretending to be a Starship robot, to covering the ethics of the University’s presence in Hawaiʻi, I trusted whatever SPM had in store for me. Now I’m here, surrounded by a team of hard working individuals who fueled the momentum this year. 

Evan Silverberg embodied our motto through his unmatched grit and reporting skills while Abigail Wilt graced our pages with her beautiful, well-crafted storytelling. I always looked forward to chatting with Claire Geare, who consistently impressed me with their witty mind and clever satires. Gib Manrique displayed a unique and diverse range of stories, as he effortlessly jumped from reports to insights to satires. Bella Mazzilli remained on top of it; a strong journalistic drive was her guiding light. Jude Banihani fell right into place at SPM, and I was blown away by her raw talent. I was inspired by Melanie Avila Ochoa’s determination, and I was grateful to see a glimpse into Bella Keenan’s bright future. Ollie Slade is a talented creative with an iconic style, and she’s taken some of the best photos I’ve ever seen. Illustrators Lilliana Lopez and Andrea Ramirez produced art beyond our imagination through their fresh, colorful ideas and attention to detail. 

A special thank you to my editorial team, with whom I’ve spent many hours. I wouldn’t have been the editor I was without them, nor would I be the person I am today. Lavanya Paliwal showed immense skill in everything she did, and I admired her vision and tenacity. She stepped up to design 284 total pages this year and put up with me when I asked her to move elements by mere pixels. Not only could I rely on Paulina Soto to bring a vibrant energy into the office, but I could also rely on her to illustrate and design to perfection. She has a beautiful brain, and her well-roundedness allowed her to be flexible in her roles this year, which was much appreciated. Wendy Maddox effortlessly took on the challenge of reenvisioning our brand and engagement, doing more than I could have ever asked for. She consistently brought fresh ideas to the table and was ahead of the curve when it came to making content and promoting SPM. I could always rely on Audrey Eagerton to be level-headed, having clear solutions to any problems that arose. She informed some of the greatest elements of the magazine this year with her ingenuity. Leah Mesquita held persistent dedication to our craft, remaining diligent in pushing everyone to do their best. Her precise editing and demand for excellence set standards and precedent for the future of SPM. Volume 25 wouldn’t have been possible without any of you. 

To our audience, thank you for doing your part by striving to stay informed. Your commitment to understanding and engaging with the world around you is a testament to the importance of media literacy in this ever-evolving society. I hope you were reflected well in our pages. I hope our stories resonated with you, challenged you or encouraged you to connect with your communities. Most of all, I hope our work reminded you that your voice, curiosity and devotion to learning are deeply valued. 

With gratitude,

Savannah Rose Dagupion

Editor-in-Chief

State Press Magazine