Mirror editor-in-chief wins Covenant Award

This Saturday, the Mirror staff will be gathering for a party featuring homemade pizzas and introducing Editor-in-Chief Jenny Lockhart to Star Wars.

A staff bonding event like this is just a glimpse into the efforts that Lockhart makes to develop community and thus why she was presented with the Covenant Award for Community.

When Lockhart was appointed the position of editor-in-chief, she had one mission for herself.

"My biggest goal was to make sure my staff felt comfortable in the newsroom," Lockhart said.

Her initiative to form a united staff has been recognized across campus.

"She is committed to providing people from all areas at Augustana a place to have a voice," journalism professor Janet Blank-Libra said.

In addition to her dedication to the Mirror, Lockhart has been involved at Augustana as a New Student Orientation (NSO) Co-Chair, vice president for the Augustana Women's Association, vice president and treasurer for Augie Dems, EDDA faculty editor, member of the Senior Giving Committee and as a tutor in the Writing Center.

Her staff appreciates her zealous and easygoing demeanor.

"She isn't overbearing," Forum editor Hal Thompson said, "She lets us have our creative space."

Creating each issue of the Mirror is not an easy feat, and Lockhart recognizes the importance of relying on the members of her staff.

"Our ideas and concerns are well-addressed and respected," copy editor and staff photographer Jeanette Rackl said. "She demonstrates a high level of respect for her staff."

Lockhart spread Christmas cheer by giving presents and personalized, hand-made cards to show her appreciation to the staff members who have quickly developed into her friends.

Her staff has also come to view their professional relationship from a different perspective.

"We are like a dysfunctional family," Thompson said.

Rackl feels as though Lockhart has created a family as well.

"We pick on each other like siblings," Rackl said.

Lockhart will graduate in May and looks forward to the many opportunities before her. She understands the importance of forming and belonging to a community and said she will strive to develop a community no matter where her career takes her.