The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic
The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic
The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic
Sawyer Loftus

Sawyer Loftus, Editor-in-Chief

Sawyer Loftus is the News Editor for the Vermont Cynic. He is a junior History major with a passion for News. This past summer he was an intern in the Burlington Free Press newsroom where he worked on developing multimedia news packages. He has interned in Vermont Public Radio’s newsroom, doing digital reporting and production work for All Things Considered. He joined the Cynic in January 2018 as a first-year in the Podcast section. He has been a Multimedia Reporter, Senior Staff Writer, Summer Editor, and Assistant Breaking News Editor at the Cynic. 

Burlington Free Press work available here. 

Vermont Public Radio work here. 

All content by Sawyer Loftus
A sign in the entryway of the Davis Center COVID-19 testing location warns students that if they have symptoms they cannot test at this location. As the number of COVID-19 cases has increased at UVM over the last three weeks, officials put in place new restrictions Feb. 25.

[Photo] BREAKING: UVM announces twice weekly COVID-19 testing, harsher penalties

February 25, 2021
Letter from the EIC: How we reported on UVM quarantine conditions

Letter from the EIC: How we reported on UVM quarantine conditions

Sawyer Loftus, Editor-in-Chief
February 23, 2021
The Grossman School of Business is made up of Ifshin and Kalkin Halls, pictured Nov. 8

[Photo] Business majors’ voting rates remain low

Liz Chadwick, Features Staff Writer
November 12, 2020
Jeanne Mance became UVM's designated quarantine and isolation building for students at the beginning of the semester. Located on Pearl Street, the residence hall is surrounded by other UVM buildings and Burlington homes.

‘There is no real surveillance of this place’: A look inside UVM quarantine as COVID cases rise

Ella Ruehsen and Sawyer Loftus
November 9, 2020
Signage on the door of a UVM residence hall reminds community members of the school's COVID-19 rules, including social distancing and the buildings' new no-guest policy.

BREAKING: 30 students in quarantine after one student tests positive for COVID-19

Sawyer Loftus, Editor-in-Chief
November 3, 2020
UVM Medical Center President Dr. Stephen Leffler answers questions from the media outside the medical center Oct. 29. Wednesday, UVM Medical Center and UVM Health Network's data systems shut down in light of a confirmed cyberattack.

Despite UVM Medical Center cyberattack officials say UVM data secure

Emma Pinezich and Sawyer Loftus
October 29, 2020
Street signs outside the Davis Center point students and visitors towards different campus buildings outside the Davis Center.

[Photo] UVM faculty union and administration reach impasse during budget cuts negotiations

Staff Report
October 27, 2020
Organizers and speakers of the “Womxn and Femme March” stand as Beverly Little Thunder gives the closing speech of the event Oct. 17.

[Photo] ‘Womxn and Femme March’ draws hundreds to Vermont State House

Paige Fisher, Cynic News Reporter
October 20, 2020
Former UVM seniors watch a virtual graduation May 17. Two months after UVM was supposed to release students’ graduation plans, the University has refused to say when the ceremony will occur.

[Photo] Class of 2020 left in the dark over postponed commencement ceremony

Ella Ruehsen, Cynic News Reporter
October 14, 2020
Dr. Deborah Birx, the response coordinator of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, addresses gathered media in the Grand Maple Ball Room at UVM Oct. 10. Birx praised the University and Vermont's response to the virus.

[Photo] White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator praises UVM, cautions potential outbreaks

Alek Fleury, Managing Editor
October 10, 2020
As the sun rises in the eastern sky illuminating the Green Mountains, a hiker begins their descent down from the peak of Camel’s Hump Sept. 20.

[Photo] 6:37 a.m., 4,081 feet

Greta Rohrer, Features Editor
September 25, 2020
Letter from the Editor-in-Chief: The killing of independent student media at UVM

Letter from the Editor-in-Chief: The killing of independent student media at UVM

Sawyer Loftus, Editor-in-Chief
September 22, 2020
The protestors split themselves and handed signs bearing the names of three Burlington Police Officers to all white protestors while the BIPOC protestors were given signs bearing the names of victims of police brutality Sep. 1.

Letter from the Editor-in-Chief: Why we didn’t blur photos of protestors

Sawyer Loftus, Editor-in-Chief
September 14, 2020
A collage of 30 emails that were exchanged between a UVM student and the University of Vermont during the student's attempt to make their living situation better.

Letter from the Editor-in-Chief: Need a fan? We’ll get you one.

Sawyer Loftus, Editor-in-Chief
July 1, 2020
Todd Woodcroft, left, is the new head coach of the UVM men's hockey team. He is slated to start the position May 1.

New men’s hockey coach set to infuse excitement in program

Sawyer Loftus, News and Sports Editor
April 22, 2020
UVM President shakes former Vermont Governor Jim Douglas' hand outside of Ira Allen Chapel following his installation ceremony.

UVM asks Vermont for millions in relief due to COVID-19 stresses

Irene Choi and Sawyer Loftus
April 16, 2020
UVM men’s hockey won their first game of the season Oct. 5, The Cats won the game 6-1.

UVM picks NHL assistant coach as new men’s hockey coach

Sawyer Loftus, News and Sports Editor
April 15, 2020
Bernie Juskiewicz died April 8 due to complications from COVID-19. The trustee and former state representative will be honored by Vermont Monday, April 15 with flags flying at half-mast.

UVM trustee dies from COIVD-19 complications

Sawyer Loftus, News and Sports Editor
April 9, 2020
UVM President Suresh Garimella addresses a gathered crowd of media and UVM community members at press conference Nov. 14, 2019.

UVM President reflects on leadership amid COVID-19 pandemic

Sawyer Loftus, News and Sports Editor
April 2, 2020
President Suresh Garimella addresses assembled media at a press conference, Nov. 14.

BREAKING: UVM to continue online learning through end of semester and students urged to leave

Sawyer Loftus, News and Sports Editor
March 23, 2020
President Suresh Garimella addresses assembled media at a press conference, Nov. 14.

Your latest COVID-19 updates

Sawyer Loftus, News and Sports Editor
March 19, 2020
A busy Howe Library bustles with students around this time last year.

Your latest COVID-19 updates

Sawyer Loftus, News and Sports Editor
March 18, 2020
DSCF5074

[Photo] RESULTS: City Council race 2020

March 3, 2020
Members of the board of trustees prepare for the March 2 meeting where they selected Ron Lumbra to be the new chair and established the new sustainability work group.

BOT selects new chair and discusses sustainability

Sawyer Loftus, News and Sports Editor
March 2, 2020
Speidel to play in first game

Speidel to play in first game

Sawyer Loftus, News & Sports Editor
March 2, 2020
Stacey Sigmon holds a “medi wheel” device in her clinic in the Vermont Center for Behavior and Health, Feb. 3. The new UVM Center on Rural Addiction is dedicated to addressing the opioid issue within rural communities through developed research.

This woman’s research saves lives: meet the director of UVM’s Center on Rural Addiction

Sawyer Loftus, News and Sports Editor
February 11, 2020
Paper decorations and a notice of room inspections show the lingering marks of fire. Five first-years were charged with arson after setting paper decorations on several doors on fire, according to UVM Police Services.

UPDATE: State’s Attorney’s Office declines to prosecute five first-years charged with arson

Sawyer Loftus, News and Sports Editor
February 10, 2020
Pictured here is the snow sleet risk for Vermont from the National Weather Service from Feb. 7 through Feb. 8.

UPDATE: UVM to shut down campus at 1:30 due to hazardous conditions

Sawyer Loftus, News and Sports Editor
February 7, 2020
Tensions grow on board of trustees over gender equity and diversity

Tensions grow on board of trustees over gender equity and diversity

Sawyer Loftus and Emma Burnham
February 4, 2020
Pictured above are the 25 members of the board of trustees in alphabetical order by last name. The photos of the 19 men on the board are converted to grayscale, leaving only the six women – 24% of the board – in color.

BREAKING: UVM board of trustees update policy to encourage diversity among members

Sawyer Loftus, News and Sports Editor
January 31, 2020
UVM goes full send: Ski and Snowboard Club hosts "Pipe Dreams" event

UVM goes full send: Ski and Snowboard Club hosts “Pipe Dreams” event

Sawyer Loftus, News and Sports Editor
January 31, 2020
Photo of the Week

Photo of the Week

Sawyer Loftus, News and Sports Editor
January 29, 2020
Dr. Harry Chen, Director, Center for Health and Wellbeing "It is a problem still, it still exists and is something that warrants a deep look."

UVM health director quietly resigns after a year on the job

Sawyer Loftus, News and Sports Editor
January 29, 2020
Dr. Harry Chen, Director, Center for Health and Wellbeing "It is a problem still, it still exists and is something that warrants a deep look."

UVM chief public health officer quietly leaves after one year on the job

Sawyer Loftus, News and Sports Editor
January 21, 2020
From the news desk: a look back at our top stories from 2019

From the news desk: a look back at our top stories from 2019

Sawyer Loftus, News and Sports Editor
January 2, 2020
UVM Police Chief returns from unexplained leave in new position

UVM Police Chief returns from unexplained leave in new position

Sawyer Loftus, News and Sports Editor
December 18, 2019
A campus divided: students split over free trip to Israel and Palestinian territories

A campus divided: students split over free trip to Israel and Palestinian territories

Emma Pinezich and Sawyer Loftus
December 5, 2019
President Suresh Garimella addresses assembled media at a press conference, Nov. 14.

UVM President unveils plan to freeze tuition

Sawyer Loftus, News & Sports Editor
November 18, 2019
Preview: UVM men's soccer coach talks semifinals ahead of the game

Preview: UVM men’s soccer coach talks semifinals ahead of the game

Sawyer Loftus, News and Sports Editor
November 13, 2019
Douglas Kilburn's son, Tyler (left), and widow, Sherry (right) embrace after Tyler made a statement to the press Nov. 8. Tyler asked the public to remember his father was more than just a few seconds of body camera footage.

Photo of the week

Sawyer Loftus, News Editor
November 12, 2019
File Photo Nov. 2019.

As snow storm approaches, Burlington puts parking ban in place

Sawyer Loftus, News Editor
November 11, 2019
Douglas Kilburn's son, Tyler (left), and widow, Sherry (right) embrace after Tyler made a statement to the press Nov. 8. Tyler asked the public to remember his father was more than just a few seconds of body camera footage.

No charges for Burlington police officer in use of force case

Sawyer Loftus, News Editor
November 11, 2019
Pedestrians cross Main Street at the corner of University Heights, Oct. 19. The intersection is among the busiest in Vermont.

Student safety concerns go unaddressed

Maryann Makosiej and Sawyer Loftus
October 23, 2019
IMG-7892

[Photo] Prominent climate expert visits UVM and discusses climate denial

Nic Hamre
October 16, 2019
Who controls your privacy? Students left in the dark over who has access to their data at UVM

Who controls your privacy? Students left in the dark over who has access to their data at UVM

Julianne Lesch and Sawyer Loftus
October 16, 2019
Behind this door, Burlington and UVM officials met to discuss proposal for an intersection a student research group deemed unsafe. Student Journalists were barred from that meeting.

Breaking: Student journalists barred from official meeting with city and University officials

Sawyer Loftus, News Editor
October 16, 2019
Senior Harmony Edosomwan speaks during a protest organized by NoNames for Justice and Queer Student Action at Waterman building, Sept. 25. The protest called for the release of the complete Campus Climate Survey data from the University.

Three Years of Protest: What does the future hold for NoNames for Justice?

Julianne Lesch, Lilly Young, Irene Choi, and Sawyer Loftus
October 2, 2019
Junior and NoNames for Justice leader Harmony Edosomwam addresses students and faculty outside Waterman Sept. 25, 2019.

Breaking: Students rally in front of Waterman, demand Campus Climate data

Sawyer Loftus, News Editor
September 25, 2019
Climate activists block traffic during rush hour in Burlington

Climate activists block traffic during rush hour in Burlington

Sawyer Loftus, News Editor
September 23, 2019
Screen Shot 2019-09-23 at 10.43.52 AM

[Photo] Keep the Climate Strike going

Staff Editorial
September 25, 2019
Two self-identifying Turning Point USA representatives, one wearing a body camera, table on the Andrew Harris Commons, Aug. 27. Although they are an SGA recognized group, SGA President Jillian Scannell said the group has not done any of the SGA requirements that all recognized groups must do.

‘They’re just bad news,’ Turning Point USA attempts to reemerge at UVM

Sawyer Loftus and Lilly Young
September 11, 2019
President Suresh Garimella speaks to the class of 2023 at the annual Convocation Ceremony, Aug. 25. “My top priority is the student and their success, which means that we should offer them the highest quality of education we can, that’s updated,” Garimella said.

UVM president sets his priority for the path forward: student success

Sawyer Loftus, News Editor
September 2, 2019
Jacob Oblak (left) shakes hands with UVM's General Counsel Sharon Reich Paulson (right) just before their case is heard in front of the Vermont Supreme Court.

VT Supreme Court rules against UVM, says police document should be made public

Sawyer Loftus, News Editor
August 26, 2019
Man's public records dispute lives to see another day in court

Man’s public records dispute lives to see another day in court

Sawyer Loftus, News Editor
June 28, 2019
The Tarrant Event Center, named after the project's leading donors, is set to begin construction in early 2019. Richard and Deb Tarrant donated $15 million to the new multipurpose facility.

Board of trustees recap: final approval given on multi-million dollar center, tuition increased

Sawyer Loftus, News Editor
May 22, 2019
Jacob Oblak (left) shakes hands with UVM's General Counsel Sharon Reich Paulson (right) just before their case is heard in front of the Vermont Supreme Court.

Vermont Supreme Court hears arguments in UVM public records dispute

Sawyer Loftus, News Editor
May 18, 2019
Man takes UVM to VT Supreme Court over public records

Man takes UVM to VT Supreme Court over public records

Sawyer Loftus, News Editor
May 1, 2019
SGA Resolution (Sawyer Loftus)

[Photo] SGA pushes for a new climate action plan

Zoe Stern, Senior Staff Writer
May 3, 2019
Provost David Rosowsky discusses his role on campus in his office in April 2015. He announced his resignation at the end of the semester in a Feb. 25 email to the UVM community.

Former Provost eyed for new job in Ohio

Sawyer Loftus, News Editor
April 27, 2019
First-year Connor Gage died Feb. 2 in a North Winooski Avenue parking lot following visits to parties at Alpha Epsilon Pi and Delta Tau Delta. Gage died from hypothermia, which was worsened by being severely intoxicated. The Burlington Police Department have ruled the death accidental.

Police report reveals student’s final hours

Sawyer Loftus, Contributor
April 9, 2019
The Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house was the last place first-year Connor Gage was seen before heading toward North Winooski Avenue Feb. 2. Alpha Epsilon Pi was one of two fraternities identified by the Burlington Police Department as being directly connected to Gage’s death.

Two fraternities named in connection to student death

Sawyer Loftus and Lee Hughes
April 1, 2019
Sophomore Harmony Edosomwan, a leader of the student group NoNames for Justice, speaks to the crowd alongside junior Amanda Martinez Feb. 26. The rally commemorated the one-year the one-year anniversary of the group's Waterman takeover.

University officials fire back at protestors: “we don’t police language, we do policy”

Sawyer Loftus, Contributor
March 27, 2019
Vice Provost for Student Affairs Annie Stevens addresses protestors at a Feb. 22 rally in Waterman. The students involved could now face misconduct charges for disruption because they used a bullhorn, speakers and played music in between speeches.

University admin reports conduct violations at rally

Sawyer Loftus, Contributor
March 27, 2019
UVM professors back student activists against conduct process

UVM professors back student activists against conduct process

Sawyer Loftus, Contributor
March 26, 2019
Senior Seth Wade addresses the crowd while sophomore Harmony Edosomwan holds the megaphone. The protest, hosted by student activist group NoNames for Justice, commemorated the one year anniversary of the groups Waterman takeover.

Nine student activists could face consequences following rally

Sawyer Loftus, Contributor
March 19, 2019
Vermont Federation of Nurses and Healthcare Professionals President Deb Snell steps away from the podium after a press conference Sept. 2, 2018. Negotiations with UVM Medical Center are still ongoing to improve the technical employee's contracts.

[Photo] Technical professionals continue hospital negotiations

Zoe Stern, Staff Writer
January 30, 2019
Amy Boyd Austin is the director of the Catamount Recovery Program and has been working there since the group's founding in 2010. CRP is for students in recovery from substance use and those taking a break from substance use as well.

Program builds home for recovery

Sawyer Loftus, Assistant Breaking News Editor
January 24, 2019
Opioids, pills and substances like heroin have gotten national attention as more and more states declare health-related emergencies. Experts are in agreement that substances like heroin are present on UVM's campus.

Opioids on campus: with no consensus, a problem goes unchecked

Sawyer Loftus, Assistant Breaking News Editor
January 15, 2019
A #meToo sign outside Living Well that allowed students to sign about their own #meToo stories.

New federal changes could force UVM to change sexual assault policies

Brandon Arcari and Sawyer Loftus
January 2, 2019
Sophomore Syd Ovitt speaks Dec. 9 at an Explain the Asterisk event. The movement gained suport from Philip Barith, a UVM English professor and the chair of the Vermont Senate Education Committee, who said that he will be proposing policy in January.

Student campaign inspires state senator to champion assault law

Sawyer Loftus, Assistant Breaking News Editor
December 12, 2018
UVM Unbuttoned

UVM Unbuttoned

Sawyer Loftus, Assistant Breaking News Editor
December 11, 2018
President Tom Sullivan and trustees convene at the board of trustees fall meeting Oct. 27. An anonymous email sent to UVM promises rallies and riots over the university's lack of funding for arts and humanities.

Anonymous letter calls for more humanities funding

Sawyer Loftus, Assistant Breaking News Editor
December 7, 2018
Head in the clouds: an inside look at Juul use on campus

Head in the clouds: an inside look at Juul use on campus

Sawyer Loftus, Assistant Breaking News Editor
December 5, 2018
Sophomore Emilie Begin looks through shirts at the Vermont Student Environmental Program's thrift shop initiative called Cat's Closet, located in the Rosa Parks Room in the Davis Center.

SGA takes steps to end food insecurity

Sawyer Loftus, Assistant Breaking News Editor
November 27, 2018
A protestor listens to Ryan McLaren, a staffer from Rep. Peter Welch's office, read a statement from Welch. "If this isn't worth standing for, what is?" said McLaren as he stood from his wheelchair.

White house firing sparks protests

Sawyer Loftus and Julianne Lesch
November 14, 2018
Flag raises concerns among students

Flag raises concerns among students

Sawyer Loftus, Assistant Breaking News Editor
November 14, 2018
Associate professor tapped as next Honors College dean

Associate professor tapped as next Honors College dean

Sawyer Loftus, Assistant Breaking News Editor
November 13, 2018
A protestor listens to Ryan McLaren, a staffer from Rep. Peter Welch's office, read a statement from Welch. "If this isn't worth standing for, what is?" said McLaren as he stood from his wheelchair.

Hundreds gather in downtown Burlington to protest the departure of Attorney General

Alek Fleury and Sawyer Loftus
November 9, 2018
Courtesy www.trumpisnotabovethelaw.org

Protests expected following departure of Attorney General

Sawyer Loftus, Assistant Breaking News Editor
November 8, 2018
Students organize to protest gender memo

Students organize to protest gender memo

Sawyer Loftus, Assistant Breaking News Editor
November 8, 2018
Donations from Zionist group intensifies Israel-Palestine debate on campus

Donations from Zionist group intensifies Israel-Palestine debate on campus

Sawyer Loftus, Assistant Breaking News Editor
November 6, 2018
Image curtesy of Marmet's facebook page

UVM graduate killed in Washington DC

Sawyer Loftus, Assistant Breaking News Editor
October 26, 2018
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