Voice team says goodbye to beloved adviser

Beck Elandt  

Staff Writer

As of this semester, the adviser of the Washtenaw Voice, Lilly Kujawski, will be leaving her position at WCC to further her passion in journalism. 

Having been an adviser for close to 2 years, Kujawski was very excited when her first day began and, as she is “heading out the door,” it is clear this role has meant a lot to her. Kujawski filled the role when her mentor and former Washtenaw Voice adviser, Judy McGovern retired.

Before her tenure as adviser, Kujawski served as deputy editor for one semester and as editor for three semesters on the Voice staff while attending WCC from 2018-2020. The experience gained as a part of the editorial team proved to be useful in providing insightful guidance to up-and-coming voice team members. 

Looking back, Kujawski said she “fell in love with journalism very, very quick.” Being first interested in poetry during high school, her creative writing instructor, Jeff Kass, inspired her to keep her pen on the paper. After writing a few articles for a local newspaper under Kass’ guidance she recalls, “It felt like what I was doing could actually make a difference.”

Watching students succeed and be proud of their success is something that brings happiness to Kujawski. 

“We get so many students who come in here, and they’re kind of curious,” Kujawski said. “They don’t know what we’re doing here. And then watching them go from timid when they walk in the door to a full-on journalist—breaking news and writing incredible stories. I love to see that.”

Her favorite thing to see in journalism students is “that moment where everything clicks,” Kujawski said.

The Washtenaw Voice is WCC’s student-run newspaper, open to any contributors. Among student editors, writers, photographers and graphic designers, Kujawski offers insights across all topics, serving as a humble guide for students’ creativity. 

“Lilly was a great influence on being curious and asking questions,”  said Caleb Henderson, a former editor for the Voice,  who was moved by Kujawski’s care for not only his abilities as a go-getter, but his well-being. 

“She was always there for me,” said Henderson.

Another former editor, Lily Cole, is grateful for her time spent with Kujawski.

“Lilly gives great advice. If I ever had a question, Lilly was there to lend a hand, and I had a lot of questions,” said Cole.

When asked how she would like to be remembered, Kujawski said that she is really passionate about the First Amendment right to a free press and hopes to be seen as someone who was an advocate for student journalism. However, Kujawski’s sights are much bigger than that.

“I really care more about the legacy of the Voice than my own legacy,” Kujawski said. “I just want to contribute to that. I care a lot about this place and the newspaper.”

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