Dakota Gange set to take over as next editor-in-chief at The Commuter

LBCC journalism student Dakota Gange will be the next editor-in-chief of The Commuter, the college's award-winning student newspaper. 

Dakota Gange

The college's Student Publications Committee appointed Gange on May 27. She will succeed current Editor-in-Chief Katie Littlefield, who will conclude her tenure as the newspaper's top editor with the last edition of the school year June 2. 

Over this past year, Gange has served as the newspaper's Student Voice Editor, highlighting various issues facing students, from the pandemic and homelessness, to paying for college and sustainability. She also has collaborated with LB's student government to highlight the advocacy efforts of other student leaders on campus.

In appointing Gange, members of the Student Publications Committee applauded the enthusiasm that Gange brought to her interview for the position, her successes this past year as Student Voice Editor, and expressed confidence that she can build on the success that Littlefield and her team had this school year. The committee is comprised of LBCC students, staff and faculty. 

In applying to be editor-in-chief in the coming year, Gange told the committee, "Writing is my way of bettering the world around me, myself included. It’s how I further reach the public, and further grow myself. Through this career, I can share the stories of those who otherwise might not have a voice, or go unheard. It’s the truth I’ve always sought after, and a way to reach out to others. I want to hear people; I want to listen to their truths, and I want to communicate with them. I thrive on these opportunities."

On the role of the newspaper, she wrote, "We have a duty here to report on important topics revolving around LBCC and the surrounding community. It’s our job to find the truth out there, and bring it forth to the light. We exist to better understand, inform, and report on various topics for our readers."

She credited Littlefield with initiating the kind of journalism she wants to continue at The Commuter: "Littlefield has shined a light on the importance and involvement of the student voice/body, and I passionately plan to continue her work/wish. Through finding student stories, we can better listen to their needs. This year we have had a paper full of diversity, and I plan to continue that through the student voice."

As editor-in-chief, Gange will lead a team of reporters, photographers, editors, graphic designers and others who produce The Commuter, which publishes weekly editions during the school year in addition to its website, a weekly newsletter and various social media. 

Those who would like to contact Gange or get involved at the newspaper are encouraged to email to commuter@linnbenton.edu or dakota.gange.2771@mail.linnbenton.edu.

For more information about journalism at LBCC, contact The Commuter's faculty adviser, Rob Priewe, at priewer@linnbenton.edu. To see more work by students in LBCC's journalism program, see their blogs at robpriewe.blogspot.com.

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