Post alumni recollect the newspaper that gave them their start
The Post has been documenting the life of Ohio University since 1912, when it was known as The Green and White. Today, its student writers produce daily – sometimes hourly – content, often working around the clock to produce award-winning journalism.
Three recent alumni of the paper, or “Posties,” as they are informally known, wrote to Ohio Today news to reflect on their experiences with The Post and how the lessons learned there went on to shape their future careers. An excerpt from those interviews follow.
Matt Zapotosky, BSJ ’08, is a national security reporter at The Washington Post.
What initially drew you to The Post?
Matt Zapotosky, BSJ ’08: I had happened to pick up a copy of The Post on a visit to Athens when I was deciding where to go to college, and I was awed by the quality of the writing and reporting. It did not seem to be a mouthpiece for OU; it seemed to be a group of aspiring journalists trying to break news.
Ashley Lutz, BSJ ’10: I was a journalism major and wrote for the local newspaper in high school. My first day on campus, I set a goal that I would be editorin chief of The Post senior year.
Nick Robbe, BSJ ’13: My editors gave me the opportunity to see what being a reporter actually entails. Byline after byline, they challenged me to step up and do more for this storied publication. That created the desire in me to become sports editor and gave me the experience necessary to enter the real world and do what I wanted to do.
How did being a Postie shape your OHIO experience?
Zapotosky : The Post was the cornerstone of my experience at OU. I spent most of my time there, met some of my best friends (including my wife) there and learned how to be a journalist there. My experience there is why I’m fortunate enough to work at a major national newspaper today.
Lutz : Most of my time at OU was spent at The Post learning about how to write and edit stories. The experience was invaluable and still benefits me to this day. I made many friends at The Post whom I remain close with to this day.
Robbe : First and foremost, The Post demands your commitment. I spent a lot of time chasing down sources, churning out content, editing and trying to mentor younger reporters. On the other side of it, I spent just as much time forging valuable friendships.
Nick Robbe, BSJ ’13, is a communications specialist for The Summit Country Day School in Cincinnati.
What’s the most surprising skill you learned at OHIO that’s transferred over to your current career?
Zapotosky : A big part of my job is convincing people who don’t want anything to do with reporters to talk to me. My experience at OU and The Post helped me get better at forging connections with people and convincing them to share information.
Lutz : When I was editor-in-chief at The Post, I went through the difficult experience of making decisions many others didn’t agree with. This experience helped me build mycharacter and stick by my convictions, even though it was hard at the time.
Robbe : For me, it’s persistence. From finding a lead and chasing down sources to searching for 15 months to find a new career path, you cannot get discouraged if pursuing a path in this field is what you want to do. Having that persistence has allowed me to come out on the other side of that 15-month swoon, and it’s paid off big-time.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Zapotosky : The most rewarding part of my job as a national security reporter at The Washington Post is sharing with people information that they otherwise wouldn’t know, particularly when that information holds powerful people accountable. I still get excited seeing my byline in the newspaper or on the homepage, but more than that, I love being out and hearing people talk about the stories I wrote.
Lutz : As executive editor of Business Insider in New York City, my challenge is to frame news stories in a way that attracts millions of readers. I also love teaching my team how to tell stories and seeing them get results.
Robbe : For me, as with any journalist, the story always comes first. I serve as the communications specialist for The Summit Country Day School in Cincinnati, and I handle many different roles. The one I enjoy most is telling great stories about the students, alumni, faculty and staff. The school gives students every opportunity to be the best they can be and in turn, they go out into the world and pursue unique, incredible paths. I get to reap the benefits and tell a great story.
Ashley Lutz, BSJ ’10, is an executive editor at Business Insider in New York City.
Any advice for current students?
Zapotosky : If you want to be a journalist, go work for The Post.
Lutz : Take advantage of all the opportunities at OU. I got my first internship/job at Bloomberg News through the Scripps alumni network. These skills and connections can serve you for years to come!
Robbe : One, don’t scoff at the “Bobcat network” and the value of your degree. When I was freshman, I was told there is this vast array of people out there who can and, better yet, are willing to help you move ahead in your career. Second, I’d say be OK with leaving Athens and OU. There is nothing like it. However, it’s supposed to be a launching pad for what’s next. Bobcats go on to do awesome things and many of them had to leave Athens to do so. Plus, it’s not going anywhere fast. It will always be there for a weekend trip whenever you want to wax nostalgic.