Image Courtesy of Dean News Network Facebook Page
Dean News Network (DNN) is about to lose their president, Dylan Thomas, as he is graduating this winter. The club is, however, gaining two co-presidents, Addy Graham and Emily Wallace. The Dean Daily has met and interviewed with these executive board members for a farewell message from Thomas and an inside look at what’s to come with the new co-presidents.
As seniors, it’s easy to reminisce on the beginning of DNN from their freshman year.
“I was doing my Power 88 news shift and Luke Smith came in,” said Thomas. “He asked me if I wanted to join this club they were re-starting called Dean News Network. I came to the first meeting, and they really liked my ideas. The rest is history.”
“I overheard upperclassman talking about their club on campus and they saw me listening,” said Graham. “They mentioned to me there was an interview process to get in at the time. I got interviewed, and I joined from there. I’ve been with DNN ever since.”
“I got into DNN my freshman year because I was not involved in any way and wanted to be able to do more on campus,” said Wallace. “I found out about DNN through the communications program and joined.”
They had to work their way up to where they are now.
“I was secretary the first semester of my sophomore year, and I’ve been president for the rest of my time in DNN,” said Thomas. “As secretary, I took notes during meetings, made PowerPoints, and I sent out emails. I was originally elected as interim DNN president, as former president, Jamie Sweeny, went to study abroad for the semester. I have held the position now for two years as I’ve led meetings, directed segments, and hosted my own segment, Student Spotlight.”
“I first started as a general member and then I became the entertainment news anchor,” said Graham. “I became the PR and marketing director at the end of my freshman year, which was a position I held until the end of my sophomore year. At the end of the semester, I became vice president of DNN. I am now in line to become co-president alongside Emily Wallace.”
“I was a general member for three semesters as the technical assistant and then became the PR and Marketing director and will be serving as co-president next semester,” said Wallace.
Thomas has a lot to be proud of.
“DNN used to be a club of about eight friends, and it’s grown to a club of over thirty members,” said Thomas. “We used to have a budget of $150, and now we have gotten over $3,500 just this semester. We have five uploads a week on our social media pages and almost have 500 followers on Instagram. We have collaborated on big projects such as the Collaboration Show with six dance teams and the Black Excellence Showcase. That all is great, but the truth is, I am probably most proud of my membership. I remember how nervous I was my freshman year, and now as I am two weeks from graduating, I have seen so many of my members grow as people, become kinder, confident, and better versions of themselves. For me, that’s all that matters at the end of the day.”
It hasn’t all been easy.
“I remember my first meeting as president,” said Thomas. “I was super nervous. I stumbled over my words, rambled, and was full of anxiety. I remember calling my mom the night after the meeting and told her I questioned I had what it took to be the president of the club I love so much. She told me to take a deep breath and relax. It was my first meeting, and there were plenty more meetings to come. She was definitely right about that. I have learned how to work with a team of incredible executive board members. I’ve learned to delegate, play to their strengths, and embrace the best version of my membership possible. I want to thank Addison Graham, Emily Wallace, Marah Jette, Brett Chaves, and Austin DeCouta for being incredible executive board members and helping me grow not only as a leader but as a person. Of all the people on campus, I might miss these ones the most."
So, what does the future hold for Thomas?
“I am currently in the process of finding the best job out of college for me,” said Thomas. “There’s always urgency in my life, but I think for the first time in twenty-one years I am complacent in not knowing my future. I don’t know what’s next for me, but I know I want to find something that’ll make me as happy as I’ve been being president for DNN. The club has given me friends, emotional support, and most importantly, memories I’ll cherish forever. Thank you to all the current and past DNN members and any person who has supported me in my four years at Dean. I’ll try my best to make you proud.”
There’s lots to look forward to for the future of DNN.
“I am excited to grow our membership, content, and also to strengthen the connections within the club,” said Graham. “I am also looking forward to our bigger collaborations, like Black Excellence, which is currently in the works. I am also exited to work alongside a strong E-board.”
“I am looking forward to seeing the progress in membership retention as well as what new segments will come out as new members join,” said Wallace. “It’s always a great time to have new people join!”
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