The Beacon is Merrimack College’s student-run news organization that primarily covers campus events, Merrimack sports, and issues and topics of interest to Merrimack College students. To contact us, please email newspaper@merrimack.edu.
2026-2027 Beacon Editorial Board
- Matt O’Connor, our dedicated President and Editor-In-Chief for The Beacon. Matt is a senior majoring in Communication and Media with a minor in Film Studies. Beyond his leadership role with the paper, Matt brings his creative eye to MCTV, where he serves as Head Editor. He also works with Merrimack Athletics as a varsity camera operator. Looking ahead, Matt is planning to continue his Merrimack journey as a Double Warrior, further building on his passion for media and authentic storytelling.
- Joey Motroni, our hardworking Vice President and Associate Editor. Joey is a junior and a Communication & Media major with minors in Digital Media Production and Sport Management. He brings a fresh perspective to our paper with a passion for sports coverage for Merrimack and professional leagues. Joey’s love for sports and media doesn’t stop there—he’s also active with MCTV, serves as Co-Sports Director for WMCK, and is Secretary for DREAM. With his drive, creativity, and campus involvement, Joey is already making his mark as a rising leader in both sports coverage and student life.
- Ava Alexopoulos, our talented Secretary and Social Media Director. Ava is a senior and a double major in English and Communication and Media with a minor in Digital Media Production. She’s diligent member of the Communication and Media department, working as a creative lead for the MCTV, Beacon and WMCK E-boards. As our Secretary and Social Media Director, Ava puts together engaging content for the Beacon’s social media accounts.
- Liam MacKenzie, Liam is a senior Communication and Media major who serves as the Treasure and Sports Editor for the Beacon. As a prominent sports journalist with around the clock coverage of Merrimack athletics and the biggest sports news from around the world, Liam always puts maximum effort into every article that he writes. Beyond his involvement with the Beacon, Liam is a team player for MCTV and works behind the camera across many different Merrimack sporting events.
- Dasia Allen, our industrious Arts and Entertainment Editor. Dasia is a junior majoring in Communication and Media with minors in Religious and Theological Studies and Visual Storytelling. Dasia covers everything from the Visual and Performing Arts department at Merrimack to the latest news from the wider entertainment industry. She is a vital member of the Beacon team with her ever expansive knowledge of the arts and the media industry.
- Heather Mixter, our Associate Sports Editor and Hockey Superstar. Heather is a sophomore double majoring in Sports Management and Communication with minors in both Digital Media Production and Graphic Design. In addition to her leadership with the Beacon’s sports team, Heather works directly with Merrimack’s hockey team as a team photographer. Heather shines with her skills as a writer and photographer as our Associate Sports Editor.