CLARION c i t r u s
c o l l e g e
-30P R E S E N T S
A special tribute to the career and legacy of our adviser, mentor and friend, Meg O’Neil
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FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018
-30-: A TRIBUTE TO MEG
Clarion
WHY I’M DESIGNING ON MY DAY OFF BY EVAN SOLANO
what I had gotten myself into, but for once, it was something E VA N SO LA N O @ G MA IL .COM that was bigger than me. One way or another, I was going to be By the time I had decided to remembered for my time here, enroll at Citrus, I had considwhether it was up on the wall, ered myself a failure. or in a bin, collecting dust in the I had just been laid off of two morgue. I wasn’t leaving Citrus jobs in the span of a year. I was College. turning 27 and I had nothing I was right. to show for it but a series of Five years later, I am here bad mistakes and a permanent again. Panicking on deadline, scowl on my parent’s faces from sketching on the whiteboard, having to face the fact that their frantically designing and son, their “golden child,” was shoveling food in my face while more than likely destined for piecing together, what feels like a lifetime of service jobs and my last issue of the Clarion. All menial labor. for Meg. My mentor, the person In a moment of frustration who gave me a second chance and helplessness I decided to when it felt like everyone had come back to Citrus and wing given up on me. Like many of us it. I had no plan, no blueprint, who cut our teeth on the pages I just knew I needed to do of the Clarion and Logos, I have something and I needed to a career today because Meg do it NOW. I found myself in gave me that chance. She gave a summer COMM 101 class, us the opportunity to take the watching an elderly woman rant photo, to “get close and the closand rave about the importance er,” to rewrite that lede we were of facts, the fourth estate and the convinced was already perfect. pivotal role journalism plays in To strive for better. our society, when suddenly it Staff file photo Like everyone else in this hit me: I had been here before. I Incoming staff writer Evan Solano and Meg O’Neil in the summer of 2013 in TC123. The advisory board held a meeting to help the all special tribute, Meg gave me remembered this professor. new Fall 2013 incoming staff coordinate the upcoming semester. This photo was Solano’s first time in TC123 and first time getting to that opportunity to be a part of know Meg outside of her COMM 101 class where he first met her. Solano would go onto become the Clarion EIC later this semester. One of Meg’s favorite stories something that had meant the to tell her other classes was but I quickly realized that I also inadvertently gave me my first passion Meg has brought to have come to know her so well world to her and now means about how she failed me in had bills piling up and I knew I (of many future) challenges and every semester advising the that we hear her voice in our that much to us. So if I ever had 2004. Me, the award-winning, wouldn’t be able to devote my I was up all night watching You- Clarion. heads whenever we catch a GFE a reason to be designing pages bad-ass designer, editor and Whether it was a weekend, or find a typo in an article. on my day off, there is no better lifelong defender of the Clarion, time to both writing and making Tube videos and brushing up on money. I had to open up and how to process RGB photos into vacation, holiday or days when There is no escaping Meg, reason to than Meg. got an “F” in her COMM 101 admit to her, that I didn’t have CMYK, and how to tone photos the campus was quiet except just like there is no escaping Citrus College is just a school class because I could’ve cared a job and more than likely had for print. for the sounds of skateboarders the bond that unites us all as and the Clarion, merely a newsless about writing and journalto focus on finding work rather It was the beginning of my grinding down the rails in front the staff of the Citrus College paper, but Meg is the one who ism at the time. than join the Clarion. obsession with journalism, of TC123, Meg was there, holed Clarion. made both our home. My parents always told me Without missing a beat, she design and the Adobe Creative up in her office, editing story The first meeting of the She is the ink that is forever to pursue writing, but I was too drafts and calling Campus Safe- Clarion was held in what would printed on the legacy and busy trying to make my millions said the eight words that change Suite. my life forever. “Do you know Reading all the thoughts, ty for the fifth or sixth time to get become my second home for history of Citrus College. touring for Metallica instead. I Photoshop,” she asked, “we offer well-wishes and memories from rid of them. many years, TC123. I rememwasn’t interested in what she, paid positions.” I had a choice to students who had come before She has been such a fixture ber feeling overwhelmed and Thanks Meg, my parents or anyone had to make in that moment: make an- me, makes me realize the imon this campus for so long that it in over my head and I hadn’t say. other excuse for why I couldn’t pact Meg has had on everyone feels like the end of an era. even written a single word yet. I gave up on Meg, but she apply myself, or say “yes,” roll of us. I have spent the better part In a way it is. When I first came into the tiny, never gave up on me. the dice, try something new and of the last five years within earAlthough Meg will no longer box-filled newsroom, the first On the last day of summer wing it. shot of Meg, but reading all the be commuting daily to Citrus, thing that blew me away was the 2013, I remember Meg pulling “Of COURSE, I know Photokind words from people who I she will still be with me in my amount of awards on the wall. me aside and asking me to Evan Solano is now a freelance know as my mentors and peers, newsroom everyday, just like They were like eyes watching journalist and page designer for the consider joining the Clarion for shop,” I said. (I didn’t.) But in that moment Meg leaves me in awe of the inspiring she will be with all of us who down me. I felt like I had no idea Southern California News Group the Fall semester. I wanted to, CLARION 2013-16, LOGOS 2016-17
MEG’S CLARION CAREER ON A1 MEG’S FIRST ISSUE AS CLARION ADVISER SEPT. 5, 1990 “Margaret O’Neil of La Crescenta will be teaching English and journalism. She received a bachelor’s degree in French from St. Mary’s College, South Bend, Indiana, and a master’s degree in English from Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska. Her family has been involved in the printing industry for 101 years and she is employed as a newspaper copy editor. O’Neil is a member of the National Council of Teachers of English and the Society of Professional Journalists.”
FEDS INVESTIGATE INSTRUCTOR APRIL 29, 1992
Federal agents investigated diesel technology instructor Michael Mahan on suspicion of illegally acquiring and selling military and surplus government equipment donated to Citrus College for reutilization. The story was also featured in the April 14, 1992 edition of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
CLINTON ADDRESSES CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE JAN. 25, 1995
AMERICA UNDER ATTACK SEPT. 12, 2001
Clarion
-30-: A TRIBUTE TO MEG
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018 PAGE 3
A FEW WORDS FROM THE STAFF We asked former Clarion staffers what Meg and their time at Citrus meant to them
BY JORGE MEDINA
CLARION/LOGOS STAFF 1998-2004 When I started at Citrus College I didn’t know who I was and what I wanted to do in my life. Then I took “Writing and Reporting News” and little did I know that it would change my life. I met a teacher who soon become my mentor, an adviser who would soon turn into my second mom, and a cheerleader who soon would become my number 1 fan. You see when most people would be so lucky to leave college and come away with a degree and transfer, I got more than that
because of Margaret C O’Neil, I got my life. When I came to Clarion newsroom I wasn’t the strongest writer, the most accurate photographer, or the most creative designer. I was as raw as they come, Meg saw something in me that I have always struggled to see in myself. She saw my heart, my passion, and that I may one day be a journalist for a living. As a teacher she mentored me, by making my first stories look like a red bloody crime scene in a critique session. But that only made me stron-
“She saw my heart, my passion, and that I may one day be a journalist for a living.” ger. When I wanted learn to design she made sure all the right people were there to guide me. And when I failed to be Clarion EIC four times in front of LA Times editor as the hiring committee, I didn’t want to try a fifth but she believed in me and kept pushing me, so I applied and I finally got to be EIC on the fifth try. From that point because of her
BY JOSEPH SIYAM
BY ADA GUERIN
This is the end of an era. I can’t imagine Citrus College without Meg O’Neil because I have never known the college to be without her. All students who worked on the Clarion newspaper and Logos magazine staffs with Meg as our adviser really have been students of the Margaret C. O’Neil School of Journalism. After I took her Mass Communications introductory class, it was Meg who inspired me to enroll in Reporting and Writing News and join the Clarion newspaper staff where I later became Editor in Chief. I continue to use the knowledge and skills I learned more than 20 years ago to this day, every day. But more than what we learned, there is a personal connection. Meg values and champions her students. We’ve become lifelong friends. I could not have asked for a better mentor. Congratulations on your retirement, Meg. And thank you.
There is not a day which goes by when I don’t hear Meg’s words of wisdom in my head -- phrases like ‘get close, then get closer’ and ‘people doing things’ --great advice when taking photos. I certainly would not be where I am today if it weren’t for Meg. She is a mentor, a warrior woman and so much more. She made the most indelible impression on my education and I cannot thank her enough.
SPRING 1998 CLARION EIC
BY STACY ARMSTRONG CLARION EIC 2001-2002
I was in my second semester as editor-in-chief of the Clarion when my home life became turbulent. After one particularly eventful weekend, I stumbled into the newsroom in obvious distress. Despite my attempt to hide my emotions, Meg must have sensed that something was wrong. While I don’t remember exactly how it happened, I somehow revealed to her that I had been kicked out of my parents’ house and had spent the night at a Motel 6. Seventeen years later,
BY MEGAN BENDER
CLARION EIC FALL 2015-SPRING 2016 I told myself I wouldn’t join the newspaper. I didn’t have a real reason not to. I was convinced it was more time than I had to spend and I should focus on the subject I had finally decided on, public relations. Get in and get out. I had come to Citrus College as a two-time Humboldt State University drop out. It had been years since I knew what good grades felt like or even what actually being
BY EMILY RIOS
CLARION EIC FALL 2007 My time at the Clarion created some the greatest memories I have. It was a place where I gained lifelong friends and learned so much about myself as a writer, as a designer and as a person. My fond memories can only be attributed to the environment you created. An environment where we were required to learn all aspects of journalism not just the areas we liked, where we were held accountable, where we had fun learning, where we were fed when hungry and where we became the Team Clarion family. I’m grateful for those mo-
my confidence exploded and I also became Logos Magazine EIC. As I moved on through my semesters she became my second mom. She lovingly intruded in my personal life, when most didn’t want that, I welcomed it, because she has a heart of gold and I know always knew she had my best interest at heart. She found me jobs to apply for, she was there for me when my father passed away, and was there for me when I was married. She went above and beyond for not just me but all of her students. And for that I am forever in her
debt. When I left Citrus College and I went to apply for the Orange County Register and later on at the San Diego Union Tribune i had her write letter of recommendations and as a reference. She wrote the most amazing words and said the highest compliments, I was so honored that she was my number 1 fan. The greatest days of my life other than a few personal ones, have been calling her beaming that I got hired at these professional newspapers. It was because of her I was able to get this far. And it shouldn’t be a shock
Meg pictured with Citrus College’s 1999 Man and Woman of the Year, Ada Guerin, left, and Joseph Siyam. Siyam is now the Supervising Producer at Entertainment Tonight for CBS Television and Guerin is the Creative Director of TheWrap.
SPRING ‘98 CLARION EIC, ‘99 LOGOS EIC
Photo courtesy of Ada Guerin
“I can’t imagine Citrus College without Meg O’Neil because I have never known the college to be without her.” -JOSEPH SIYAM
I am still moved by her response. “You don’t have to sleep at a motel,” she had told me. “If you can’t work things out at home, you can sleep on my couch.” As a 20-something college student, I had plenty of experience with instructors. Some of them were good, while others were amazing. Meg O’Neil, however, was on a whole different level. She wasn’t simply interested in how well I did in her class, but how well I did in life. She saw something in me that I had never known was there. Meg believed in me and my talent, and soon I began to believe in myself. She
interested in what I was learning about felt like. At this point I was forcing myself to find a passion and still wandering aimlessly. But then I found Professor O’Neil. Or as we all fondly came to know her as, Meg. Meg has a way of inspiring motivation in her students. Whether it’s through her tireless passion for journalism or how stubborn she is, you find yourself trying to prove that you’re really listening and really learning. I cannot thank her enough for making my article drafts bleed till
ments where you demanded more and forced me to step out of my comfort zone. You showed me that professors could demand excellence while at the same time be invested in a student as a person. I appreciate all the time you gave to me as a student and as a person. I cherish all those moments where you would allow me to just step into your office, close the door and vent about what was going on in my life. Your investment in your students is one of the things that inspired me to become a teacher. Your time and devotion to the Clarion staffs over the years has not gone unnoticed.
pushed me to pursue opportunities I never would have considered on my own. Whether it was running for the role of Clarion editor-in-chief or applying for a position in the Citrus College Publications Department (now known as External Relations), some of the most important decisions I have made in my life were done so at the urging of Meg O’Neil. One of my favorite memories of Meg occurred several months after my time at the Clarion had ended. I was new to my job as a publications specialist for Citrus College and feeling quite confi-
dent in my writing ability. (Okay, I was more than confident. I was actually a little cocky). One day, I received something through interoffice mail. When I opened up the manila envelope, one of my press releases fell out. To my surprise, it was completely marked up in red ink and the letters, “GFE” were written in large print at the top. Even though I was no longer her student, Meg would always be my teacher. Nearly fifteen years have passed since that day, and I can honestly say that Meg has been one of the most influential people in my life (second only to my moth-
there was nothing left of them but a tiny spot of white amid, what looked like gallons of red, purple and green ink. I edit with the same fierce passion for perfection that her edits inspired in me. Meg is not for everyone. But those who couldn’t learn from her probably weren’t paying attention. Though everyone knows squaring up with Meg is frustrating, you always end up better off for it. Meg taught me not to be satisfied with the bare minimum, she taught me how to be a leader and she taught me how to be a
BY MICHAEL J. JAMES CLARION SPRING 1995
Meg, i cannot possibly wish you more sincere congratulations on the occasion of your retirement. The couple of years I spent under your tutelage taught me plenty about journalism but more about life and integrity and values. As Editor of Logos i once negotiated a bad deal. I should say I agreed to a deal with a printer and I was mistaken. I think I heard the price I wanted to hear. You had to go to the Citrus College Foundation to ask for some extra money to bail me out
because Clarion alumni have been racking up jobs in the professional world since she has been an adviser. And it is no doubt because of her guidance, tutelage and passion. I am sad that this is goodbye for you. I guess we all have had decades with you, it is now time for us to let go and allow you more time with Rob. But before you go I want to say I Love and thank you for saving my life and giving me a brighter future. And on behalf of all Clarion alumni, enjoy your retirement but if you ever need us we are always here for you.
er). It was incredibly difficult to write a message to someone who has impacted me in such a profound way. So many words of wisdom and happy memories raced through my brain, and this jumbled mess is the result. Meg, I am sad that you will no longer be a few steps away from my office and I will miss running into you at college events. Although your retirement is a definite loss for Citrus College, your legacy will forever be etched in the college’s history books and in my heart. I hope your retirement is every bit as amazing as you are!
successful student. I left Citrus College as a three-time editor in chief, a two time managing editor, with two transfer degrees and a 4.0 GPA. I’m now back at Humboldt State University and starting next semester as the editor in chief of their student newspaper, The Lumberjack. I owe some of my success and a lot of my drive to Meg. I am so grateful for the purpose and direction she instilled in me, and I will never forget her or her red pen. Thank you Meg O’Neil.
of that one and I apologize for that. (And, thank you.) I could go on and on citing instances in which your actions and behavior were as true as the arc of the sun. From your friendship with Margaret Lindemood and Sarah Torribio to your willingness to palaver on the issues of the day. (I feel certain i can guess many of your thoughts on our current administration.) Your example of how to live a responsible life has informed me all these years and I am eternally grateful. All the best to you and Rob in retirement,
BY KATHRYN DUNN
CLARION EIC, ME 1995 TO 1997 Meg O’Neil once called me a benevolent dictator. Honestly, she called me that more than once. But I’m blunt and controlling so she was right. It’s an interesting moniker in that it walked a fine line between keeping me in check and paying me a massive compliment. But that was Meg’s style—frank, nurturing, smart, self-assured, critical and kind. Her reviews of my work were always layered. I never took Meg’s consult lightly, whether she was advising me on page design or a lede or the way I dealt with staff. But most noteworthy is Meg’s knack for making things happen. In 1995, she encouraged me (forced
Courtesy Photo
Armstrong is entering her fifteenth year as a publications specialist in the External and Government Relations Office.
Clarion adviser Patrick Schmiedt, left, Meg and Megan Bender at JACC State Convention in 2017 where Citrus College was awarded the Pacesetter award. Staff file photo
is more like it) to apply to the inaugural College Media Day at the White House. As editor of the Citrus Clarion, I was eligible to represent California community colleges at this remarkable event. It’s funny because I haven’t the slightest recollection of filling out the application. Part of me thinks she filled it out for me and sent it in. It sounds like something Meg would do anyway. After being accepted as one of two student editors from California (only 150 student journalists attended from across the US) Meg found a scholarship for me from a woman who lived near Citrus and wanted to support female journalists. It is still a mystery how she found the donation, but I can imagine Meg put her own skills as a journalist to work that week. C O N T I N U E S O N N E XT PAGE
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FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018
-30-: A TRIBUTE TO MEG
Clarion
member memories CLARION Staff captured over the years FOR LIFE:
Photos by: Magda Liszewska, Brandi Garcia, Emily Rios & staff file photos FR O M PA G E 3
Visiting the White House to attend an all-day press event and meeting President Bill Clinton may be the single greatest memory of my life. It was because of Meg’s support and determination that it happened. I have had only two important mentors in my life, Meg and my former publisher Martin Weinberger, who gave me my first job at a real newspaper. It was because of Meg that I even landed the job. Working journalists today have caught up with what Meg knew 25 years ago— get a second, or third, skill. By the end of my two or so years at Citrus, I could write a good lede and caption, and take a decent photo in a pinch. I was pretty skilled at QuarkXpress, a program I still use today to design pages at the COURIER. I learned proofreader’s marks. I wrote news, features, sports and obituaries. I even wrote my own obituary as an assignment in Meg’s newswriting class. Meg knew, and this was before the internet, that every journalist needed to position themselves to do any job at a paper. When my publisher died in 2007—I was a graphic designer then—I was prepared to take over to serve as both editor and a page designer. As newspaper staffs continued to shrink, only those with multiple skills were asked to stay. I can hear Meg now, “Be a writer who also takes pictures.” I often think back to the days of Meg and the benevolent dictator and realize that I haven’t really changed all that much. I’m still too blunt and controlling. And I can’t say I’ve learned anything drastically new about the nuts-and-bolts of journalism, I have only strengthened the skills learned under Meg’s tutelage. It’s taken me over 20 years to realize how much I learned in those two years, and I couldn’t be more grateful. It’s important in life to mark specific memories, but it’s truly an honor to help mark the career of such an extraordinary woman. Thank you, Meg.
The Owl Yorker An Illustration by Emily Hermosillo
coordinated & designed by EVAN SOLANO illustration by EMILY HERMOSILLO thanks to: PATRICK SCHMIEDT STACY K. LONG WALEED RASHEDI DARIUS JOHARI JOSEPH SIYAM ADA GUERIN KATHRYN DUNN MAGDA LISZEWSKA STACIE GALANG JORGE MEDINA BRE PEYTON ARIEL CARMONA MICHAEL JAMES EMILY RIOS BRANDI GARCIA MEGAN BENDER FRANK RAM & ANYONE ELSE I MAY HAVE FORGOT! and very SPECIAL thanks to:
ROB.
“After so many years together, the Clarion and Logos editors could agree on one thing. We couldn’t have done it without Meg.”
ROB, THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR AMAZING, TALENTED AND INSPIRING WIFE WITH THE BUDDING JOURNALISTS OF CITRUS COLLEGE FOR SO MANY YEARS... SHE’S ALL YOURS NOW!