55 Northwesternians sworn in as The Review Staff
The Review, the official student publication of Northwestern University (NWU), conducted its Oath Taking Ceremony on November 12, 2021, via Zoom Videoconferencing app with the theme “Reboot, Rewire, Reconquer.” 55 members sworn to office with brand new broadcasting and video editing positions for the Academic Year 2021-2022.
Prof. Joan Jesusa B. Velasco, The Review Adviser, expressed her gratitude and appreciation to those who took an interest in joining the publication. She believes that with an increased number of student journalists, they are ready to achieve more.
The Acting Dean of the Office of Student Affairs, Prof. Agustina Dancel- Matias, also shared her sentiments upon witnessing the significant growth of the publication from scratch. She urged the student journalists to spread the word and make a commitment to encourage other students to be as passionate about writing but also about achieving goals and fulfilling their mission as NWU students or as members of their families.
Prof. Karl Lenin C. Benigno, former Editor-in-Chief of The Review and current Vice President for Administration at NWU, also expressed gratitude to the student publication. He highlighted that he had learned so many things, not just in the field of journalism but also in management and leadership.
“Membership to the board will surely prepare you to become better, responsible, and accountable individuals…There are going to be a lot of challenges ahead. However, with the right mindset and with the right attitude, things will work out,” he added.
Dr. Chita A. Gonzales, Vice President for Academic Affairs, also talked about leadership and the different lenses that need to be used by leaders. She emphasized that it is extremely important as a leader to know when to use the right lens and to be self-aware when we are over-dependent on using only one type of lens.
Prof. Maria Liza S. Nicolas, Executive Vice President, also gave emphasis to stories having three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
“If you want to be a world-changer, if you want to go out of the university and be exactly that, set yourself apart and hold on to the truth,” she added inspirational message.
“Be fearless. You are very much aware that the media is supposed to be the tool that informs the public, that enables, that empowers the public in a democratic society to choose the best direction for society. And therefore, be fearless in giving us a true reflection of what is happening on your ends as the students see it,” were the words of Atty. Ferdinand S. Nicolas, University President, as he challenged the student journalists in his motivational speech.
“Continue to remain true to the mission of reporting the news truthfully with integrity, but also be mindful in uplifting the souls of your readers, especially now that we are competing with the attention of our studentry as they look to other media outlets online,” he added.
The Oath Taking was led by Mr. Al Gerald S. Barde, Education Supervisor II, Commission on Higher Education-Region I (CHEDRO1). He also talked about the values of journalism and the principles that must be upheld.
“Anyone can be a journalist as long as the person has the motivation, proper training, and ethics. Ethics is very important. We have to educate our students, studentry, and the community even to observe ethical standards…Our values, our discipline, and our principles as journalists should remain intact. This is the only way we can maintain our credibility. This is the only way we can separate ourselves from other creators such as bloggers and vloggers. This is what makes us purveyors of truth,” he said.
Jezreel Larry R. Caunca, the Editor-in-Chief, formally closed the ceremony with his words, stressing the goal of continuously amplifying the voice of the students and promoting campus journalism. He said that he is looking forward to continuing the flagship projects from last academic year that would be beneficial both to the student journalists and the students.
