The Critograph

The Critograph A student-run news organization working to provide objective, accurate, relevant, and timely news an We are the student voice of the University of Lynchburg.

At the University of Lynchburg, international enrollment has grown to 34%, with this year’s commencement marking the lar...
05/01/2026

At the University of Lynchburg, international enrollment has grown to 34%, with this year’s commencement marking the largest class of international graduates in the university’s history.

The increase reflects a broader shift in campus demographics, as students from across the globe contribute to the university’s academic and social environment while adapting to life in the United States. Alongside that growth, international students continue to navigate challenges such as visa requirements and adjusting to a new educational system.

Students interviewed described the transition as both complex and rewarding, pointing to institutional support systems that assist with documentation and integration. Many also emphasized the role of athletics in building community, offering an immediate support network upon arrival.

Their experiences highlight how international enrollment is shaping campus culture, bringing diverse perspectives while reinforcing a sense of connection among students.

The growth of the international student population signals an ongoing evolution at Lynchburg, as the university continues to expand its global reach and support systems.

To read more about international enrollment and its impact on campus, click the link in our bio.

By Autumn Burkholder | Guest Contributor

At the University of Lynchburg, graduation day is supported by months of preparation led by the Hornet Shop, the team re...
05/01/2026

At the University of Lynchburg, graduation day is supported by months of preparation led by the Hornet Shop, the team responsible for organizing regalia and helping ensure the event runs smoothly.

The process begins well before commencement, as staff coordinate orders, work with vendors and prepare for one of the busiest events of the year. On graduation day, dozens of staff members and volunteers arrive early to set up, distribute gowns and assist graduates as they prepare to walk across the stage.

Those involved say the work often extends beyond logistics, with efforts focused on creating a seamless experience for students and their families.
Adjustments such as shifting ordering deadlines and streamlining vendors have also been implemented to reduce potential issues.

Student employees described the experience as both demanding and meaningful, noting the importance of preparation and attention to detail in the days leading up to the ceremony.

The effort reflects the behind-the-scenes work that supports one of the university’s most significant events, ensuring graduates are prepared for a milestone moment.

To read more about how graduation is prepared on campus, click the link in our bio.

By Laney Burns | Guest Contributor

At the University of Lynchburg, Aisha Marilyn Abdulbary-Knotts reflects on her time with The Critograph in a farewell op...
05/01/2026

At the University of Lynchburg, Aisha Marilyn Abdulbary-Knotts reflects on her time with The Critograph in a farewell opinion piece marking the end of her undergraduate experience.

The piece centers on her involvement in the student newspaper, highlighting how the newsroom contributed to both personal and professional growth. She points to lessons developed through reporting, including curiosity, persistence and the ability to ask difficult questions.

It also emphasizes the relationships formed within The Critograph, describing the staff as a close-knit group that supported one another through the demands of deadlines and campus life. These experiences are presented as a defining part of her time at the university.

More broadly, the piece reflects on the transition that comes with graduation, framing it as both an ending and a recognition of the growth that takes place over time at Lynchburg.

To read more about her reflection and experience, click the link in our bio.

By Aisha Marilyn Abdulbary-Knotts | Staff Writer

Just a few miles from the University of Lynchburg campus, craveABLEs is preparing for its grand reopening while continui...
04/30/2026

Just a few miles from the University of Lynchburg campus, craveABLEs is preparing for its grand reopening while continuing its mission to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Founded in 2024 by special education teachers, the shop was created to address the lack of workplace opportunities for students after graduation, offering supported roles for both employees and interns as they build skills and gain experience. Community members have played a key role in sustaining the business, particularly after an electrical fire temporarily closed its original location.

Employees and staff describe the shop as more than a workplace, emphasizing the relationships, skill development and sense of belonging it provides. Support staff work closely with employees to tailor training and encourage growth, helping create an environment centered on inclusion and confidence-building.

The business reflects a broader effort to challenge perceptions and expand opportunities, while remaining rooted in its connection to the Lynchburg community.

craveABLEs is set to reopen April 29 at its Candlers Mountain Road location.

To read more about the shop and its mission, click the link in our bio.

By Taylor Burton | Staff Writer

At the University of Lynchburg, members of the women’s soccer Class of 2026 are reflecting on their time in the program ...
04/30/2026

At the University of Lynchburg, members of the women’s soccer Class of 2026 are reflecting on their time in the program as graduation approaches, marking the close of their collegiate athletic careers.

The piece follows seniors Zoe Villarreal and Kate Shepherd as they look back on their experiences, highlighting moments from their final season, including Senior Day and their last home match at Shellenberger Field. Both players described the significance of team bonds, emphasizing how shared experiences on and off the field shaped their time as student-athletes.

Their reflections also point to the demands of balancing athletics and academics, as well as the importance of mental health and finding meaning in everyday moments throughout the season.

Looking ahead, both athletes say their time in the program has prepared them for future paths, crediting the experience with building skills such as time management, resilience and teamwork.

The story captures the lasting impact of collegiate athletics, as these seniors leave behind their program while carrying forward the lessons and relationships formed during their time at Lynchburg.

To read more about the women’s soccer seniors and their reflections, click the link in our bio.

By Victoria Williamson | Sports Editor

At the University of Lynchburg, some students are balancing academics with on-campus jobs, taking on roles that help sup...
04/30/2026

At the University of Lynchburg, some students are balancing academics with on-campus jobs, taking on roles that help support daily operations while shaping their own college experience.

Student workers serve in a range of positions across
campus, from staffing the information desk to assisting in the Hornet Shop, often working between classes and managing schedules alongside coursework. While hours are typically kept under 20 per week, some students say long days that combine classes, work and homework can still be demanding.

Students interviewed described their roles as both practical and rewarding, highlighting opportunities to build connections, gain experience and stay engaged on campus. Others noted that while wages may be modest, the value of campus employment extends beyond pay.

University administrators say student employees play a vital role in operations, contributing not only to day-to-day functions but also offering feedback that helps shape campus services.

The experience reflects an ongoing balance between academic responsibilities and employment, as students navigate the demands of both while making the most of their time at Lynchburg.

To read more about student employment on campus, click the link in our bio.

By Sarah Wood | Guest Contributor

At the University of Lynchburg, Dr. Ghislaine Lewis reflects on nearly a decade of advising The Critograph in a farewell...
04/29/2026

At the University of Lynchburg, Dr. Ghislaine Lewis reflects on nearly a decade of advising The Critograph in a farewell piece marking her time with the student newspaper.

The piece looks back on nine years of weekly publication, highlighting the newsroom’s consistency even during challenging periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic and semesters marked by limited staff and resources. Lewis also emphasizes the importance of journalistic standards, including verification and sourcing, as a foundation of the publication’s work.

Her reflection underscores the role of student journalists in documenting campus life, from major events to everyday moments, and the responsibility that comes with shaping how the university community understands itself. She also acknowledges the contributions of students, faculty and staff who have supported the paper over the years.

More broadly, the piece situates The Critograph as an enduring part of campus life, sustained through transitions in leadership and format while continuing to engage its readership.

To read the full farewell piece, click the link in our bio.

By Dr. Ghislaine Lewis | Critograph Faculty Advisor

At the University of Lynchburg, the men’s tennis program has undergone a shift toward international recruiting, bringing...
04/29/2026

At the University of Lynchburg, the men’s tennis program has undergone a shift toward international recruiting, bringing together athletes from multiple countries while shaping a strong team culture both on and off the court.

The roster, now composed entirely of international student-athletes, reflects expanded recruiting efforts in recent years, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Coaches say the transition required collaboration across departments to build systems that support recruiting and integrating players from abroad.

Players described the experience as both challenging and rewarding, pointing to adjustments such as being far from home, adapting to new playing surfaces and navigating the physical and mental demands of collegiate tennis. At the same time, many said the shared experience has strengthened team bonds and created a sense of community.

The program’s growth also highlights increasing competition within the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, as more teams recruit internationally to elevate performance.

Despite differences in background and playing style, team members emphasized a collective focus on competition and connection, with the program continuing to balance athletic performance and a supportive, family-like environment.

To read more about Lynchburg men’s tennis and its international roster, click the link in our bio.

By Evan Gates | Guest Contributor

At the University of Lynchburg, Editor-in-Chief Ellie Simmers reflects on her experience with change in a letter marking...
04/29/2026

At the University of Lynchburg, Editor-in-Chief Ellie Simmers reflects on her experience with change in a letter marking the close of the semester and her transition into her senior year.

Simmers writes about both personal and campus-wide changes since arriving in August 2023, pointing to the loss of familiar spaces and traditions such as El Si and the second-floor gym in Drysdale, as well as broader shifts including program and faculty cuts that have affected student opportunities.

She also recounts her own academic journey, describing how she changed her major from political science to communications after her first semester and later became involved with The Critograph.

Through those experiences, she highlights how unexpected challenges shaped her path into leadership roles on campus.

The letter acknowledges the difficulty of change while emphasizing the ways students continue to adapt as the university evolves, particularly as friendships, programs and routines shift over time.

To read the full letter from the editor, click the link in our bio.

By Ellie Simmers | Editor-in-Chief

A resurgence of 2016-era trends in music, fashion and online culture is gaining attention, as conversations across socia...
04/29/2026

A resurgence of 2016-era trends in music, fashion and online culture is gaining attention, as conversations across social media and major events raise questions about whether 2026 could mirror a similar cultural moment.

At events like Coachella, renewed visibility of artists such as Justin Bieber has contributed to the discussion, with audiences revisiting a time often associated with lighter, more carefree experiences.

The trend is tied in part to the 10-year cycle, with millennials and older Gen Z audiences reconnecting with styles and cultural moments from their adolescence. At the same time, ongoing social and economic challenges have shaped a desire to return to what is perceived as a simpler cultural landscape.

Figures including Kylie Jenner and Zara Larsson have also reentered the spotlight, reflecting the reemergence of aesthetics and influences from that period.

The renewed interest highlights how past cultural moments continue to shape current trends, as audiences look to familiar styles and experiences while navigating present-day realities.

To read more about the return of 2016 trends, click the link in our bio.

By Jamie Smith | Staff Writer

#2016

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