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Julia Croston

Julia Croston, Managing Editor

Julia Croston was the Managing Editor. She studied English with minors in history and professional & public writing and graduated at the end of the Spring 2022 semester. Julia enjoys reading and listening to music.

All content by Julia Croston
Courtesy of Osprey Racing’s Instagram. Posted on Dec. 15, 2021.

Osprey Racing prepares for national competition

Julia Croston, Copy Editor May 3, 2022

Since the competition last year, the University of North Florida Osprey Racing Club has been preparing for the Formula SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Collegiate Design Series held at the Michigan...

“The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt. Photo by Julia Croston.

Learning from art with “The Goldfinch”

Julia Croston, Managing Editor April 25, 2022

“The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt, published in 2013, follows the life of a character named Theo as he comes to age after surviving a traumatic event. Reading the novel feels like analyzing a complex...

SG - Student Government

SG seeks student awareness and opinion of the Counseling Center

Julia Croston, Managing Editor April 19, 2022

Months after the option to relocate funds toward the Counseling Center was denied, Student Government (SG) looks to understand how students feel. The April Osprey Voice survey asks students about their...

Courtesy of UNF Creative Writing.

UNF Creative Writing hosting Wainright Award Celebration and Talon Review Open Mic

Julia Croston, Managing Editor April 19, 2022

The University of North Florida (UNF) Creative Writing Program is holding their annual Wainright Scholarship Award Celebration and Talon Review Open Mic Tuesday night.  Assistant Professor and Coordinator...

Nathaniel Rodefer and Joshua Murry being sworn in by Chief Justice Travis Ford on April 15, 2022.

Student Government welcomes new administration

Julia Croston, Managing Editor April 15, 2022

(Updated April 18, 2022, to include the date.) On the third floor of the Student Union, the University of North Florida (UNF) Student Government’s (SG) Senate chambers were filled with countless congratulations,...

UNF logo

UNF Interfaith Center hosting conference Thursday

Julia Croston, Managing Editor April 5, 2022

The University of North Florida Interfaith Center will host a conference, at the Robinson Theater on April 7, to discuss “Religious Literacy for a Diverse Democracy.” “We are excited for this...

turning red movie poster

The “Turning Red” debate: Spinnaker reviews

Julia Croston, Nathan Turoff, and Carter Mudgett April 4, 2022

Pixar’s newest film “Turning Red” has ignited a debate amongst audiences as they wonder whether this quirky animated film is just weird enough to be worth watching or not. Released to Disney+ on...

UNF Dining logo.

Students share opinions on dining hours; UNF dining responds

Julia Croston, Managing Editor April 4, 2022

University of North Florida students have expressed their opinions on the hours of operation for on-campus dining locations, hoping for more accommodating adjustments, and, in response, Dining Services...

The cover of the novel The Sentence

“The Sentence”: haunting and healing through language

Julia Croston, Managing Editor April 1, 2022

Akin to a kaleidoscope — shifting in focus and meaning — Louise Erdrich’s “The Sentence” uses protagonist Tookie to reveal the complexities and interplay of identity and language.  Tookie...

UNF blocks Russian and Ukraine network traffic, IT explains

UNF blocks Russian and Ukraine network traffic, IT explains

Julia Croston, Managing Editor March 21, 2022

The day after Russia invaded Ukraine, University of North Florida Information Technology Services (ITS) began a temporary block on network traffic to and from Russia and Ukraine on Feb. 25. The network...

Photo by Blaz Photo. Courtesy of Unsplash.

Reading for mental health

Julia Croston, Managing Editor March 10, 2022

Reading, when added to an already strenuous college curriculum, may not seem worthwhile enough for student attention, but there are several benefits that reading has on mental health. Spinnaker spoke with...

Graphic by Spinnaker Creative Services.

UNF reports 6 positive cases

Julia Croston, Managing Editor March 7, 2022

The University of North Florida reported 6 total positive COVID-19 cases from Feb. 25 to March 3.  Out of the six, four on-campus students, one off-campus student, and one employee tested positive.  Keep...

Updated alcohol guidelines

Alcohol returns to UNF

Julia Croston, Managing Editor March 7, 2022

With Interim President Pam Chally’s signature, the University of North Florida has updated its alcohol guidelines to bring back tailgating and alcohol on campus starting Monday. Tailgating was initially...

Graphic by Spinnaker Creative Services.

UNF reports 12 positive cases

Julia Croston, Managing Editor February 28, 2022

In total, the University of North Florida reported 12 positive COVID-19 cases from Feb. 18 to Feb. 24.  Seven students and five employees tested positive. Of the students, five live on-campus while...

Computer coding

UNF IT explain the purpose of ClearPass OnGuard

Julia Croston, Managing Editor February 25, 2022

An ongoing battle between the University of North Florida WiFi and students, university Information Technology Services claims that connectivity problems may be due to personal device software because...

UNF students wait in line for a food truck at Jax Melanin Market Meets Market Days

UNF and Jax Melanin Market collide, a dual photo gallery

University of North Florida Market Day: Invited to the UNF Student Union Plaza, students enjoyed food trucks, black locally owned businesses and live music to celebrate the last full week of Black History...

Ali Sartawi.

SG Attorney General resigns

Julia Croston, Managing Editor February 24, 2022

Student Government Attorney General Ali Sartawi resigned from his position effective Feb. 18, citing a potential conflict of interest with the upcoming Spring 2022 election as the reason for leaving.  Sartawi...

Graphic by Spinnaker Creative Services.

UNF reports 16 positive cases

Julia Croston, Managing Editor February 22, 2022

At the University of North Florida, 16 positive COVID-19 cases were reported for the week of Feb. 11 till Feb. 17.  The positive cases include 15 students and one employee. Out of the 15 students,...

Protester holds a sign opposing HB 5 and HB 167 on the University of North Florida Green in Jacksonville, Florida, Wednesday, Feb. 16.

UNF Students for a Democratic Society protest 15 week abortion ban

Julia Croston, Managing Editor February 17, 2022

Protesting on the Green, Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) used speeches and chants to show their opposition to Florida House Bill 5 (HB 5), a 15-week abortion ban, at the University of North Florida...

A wall of students hold up phones, sit, stand and listen to Sister Cindy, real name Cynthia Smock, as she preaches on the University of North Florida Green Valentine’s Day afternoon in Jacksonville, Florida, Monday, Feb. 14.

“My queen” and “false prophet” among UNF student descriptions of controversial ‘Sister Cindy’

Julia Croston, Managing Editor February 16, 2022

Eds: This article quotes foul and vulgar language that may be offensive to some readers.  The Green saw more action than usual on Valentine’s Day as Cynthia Smock, better known as Sister Cindy, preached...

Graphic by Spinnaker Creative Services.

Positive cases total 39 at UNF

Julia Croston, Managing Editor February 15, 2022

A total of 39 positive COVID-19 cases were reported at the University of North Florida during the second week of February.  The first week of February had 75 reported positive cases while the final...

‘Crying in H Mart’: A majestic memoir

‘Crying in H Mart’: A majestic memoir

Julia Croston, Managing Editor February 11, 2022

Michelle Zauner’s vulnerable memoir, “Crying in H Mart,” follows her complicated relationship with her late mother, who died from cancer when the author was 25. Her debut book explores a mother-daughter...

The UNF time capsule, created in 1997, was opened for the university’s 50th anniversary. Photo via the UNF archives.

UNF opens 25 year old time capsule

Julia Croston, Managing Editor February 4, 2022

Celebrating the university’s 50th anniversary, University of North Florida library archivists opened a time capsule created in 1997, revealing documents and memorabilia important to university history....

UPDs new Ford Explorers circa 2016.

50 years of UPD

Julia Croston, News Editor February 1, 2022

Set to cross the 50-year threshold of existence this year, check out the history of the University of North Florida Police Department (UPD) and revisit some of the most interesting cases and stories over...

Black History Month graphic by Spinnaker Creative Services.

Black History Month 2022 UNF calendar of events

Julia Croston, News Editor February 1, 2022

(Updated 10:00 am Tuesday, Feb. 1, to include updated Kickoff event.) Celebrating Black History Month, various organizations on UNF’s campus are hosting free events throughout the month of February.  The...

UNF logo

Interim President Chally rejects student fees proposal, current student fees remain same

Julia Croston, News Editor January 21, 2022

Concluding the Fall 2021 semester, the Student Fee Assessment Committee (SFAC) finalized their proposal for a fee reallocation, a proposal that has since been rejected by Interim President Pamella Chally. ...

Victoria Shore, Headshot courtesy of Student Government

Advisor Shore retires after 11 years at UNF

Julia Croston, News Editor January 20, 2022

Student Government (SG) Advisor Victoria Shore will retire by the end of January after working at UNF for 11 years, with nine of those years at SG. In an interview with Spinnaker, Shore reflected on her...

Members of the Student Fee Assessment Committee deliberate where a $0.43 fee allocation would come from.

SG committee members swing for the fences with fee proposal, Administration committee members expect rejection

Carter Mudgett and Julia Croston December 10, 2021

Fiery speeches and stressed-out faces flooded the Student Affairs Conference Room Wednesday afternoon as the Student Fee Assessment Committee finalized their proposal, a tense debate that ran for the better...

Members of the Student Fees Assessment Committee discuss a proposal during their meeting on Dec. 2, 2021.

Committee to finalize student fees proposal Wednesday

Julia Croston and Carter Mudgett December 7, 2021

(Updated 11:50 am Dec. 8 to fix incorrect fee calculations) During a duo of meetings, the Student Fee Assessment Committee listened to the budget proposals of six university departments that help make...

The sky glows a gorgeous rosy red as the sun disappears over the horizon of the Thomas G. Carpenter Library parking lot.

Parking tickets turn digital at UNF

Julia Croston, Government Reporter December 6, 2021

UNF Parking Services has permanently swapped their parking tickets from the physical to the digital realm.  In the past, parking tickets were given as a physical copy along with a non-descriptive email...

Banners and flags adorn the University of North Florida John A. Delaney Student Union during the 2021 World Fest Village Market Day.

How to prepare for life after college

Julia Croston, Government Reporter December 2, 2021

Eventually, we all leave the nest and choose a path for the future. Selecting a career path and preparing for the future could be a strenuous process. Spinnaker met with advisors Patricia Palmer, Emily...

‘The Secret Lives of Church Ladies’ by Deesha Philyaw stands against a stack of books.

‘The Secret Lives of Church Ladies’: a review

Julia Croston, Government Reporter November 29, 2021

With her debut short story collection, Deesha Philyaw has already received praise as a notable author and won the 2021 PEN/Faulkner Award for fiction. Currently, The Secret Lives of Church Ladies is being...

Student Government Senators sit in the Senate Chambers during their Nov. 19 meeting to discuss, among other matters, terminating the SKYS Agency.

SG Senate passes the ‘SKYS Termination Bill’

Julia Croston, Government Reporter November 23, 2021

(Updated 12:30 pm Thursday, Dec. 2) During the final Senate meeting of the semester, Student Government (SG) met to determine the future of the Students Keeping You Safe (SKYS) program. With a close...

Updated: Students remain concerned about mold in Osprey Hall

Updated: Students remain concerned about mold in Osprey Hall

Julia Croston, Student Government Reporter November 16, 2021

(Updated Nov. 30, 1:00 pm) Originally, UNF Housing responded to student complaints about mold in the dorms believing the mold was misidentified. After, students shared more photos and information regarding...

Deesha Philyaw. Courtesy of the UNF English Department.

Jacksonville author Deesha Philyaw shares her inspirations

Julia Croston, Government Reporter November 15, 2021

For the first time since the 1980s, Deesha Philyaw visited UNF to read sections of her book to her hometown. The Secret Lives of Church Ladies was published in 2020 as Philyaw’s first work of fiction....

The Sunday Times number one bestseller, The Midnight Library by Matt Haig cover. Photo via Goodreads.

‘The Midnight Library’: a review

Julia Croston, Government Reporter November 9, 2021

When a novel starts with a quote from famous American poet Sylvia Plath, high expectations are set from the beginning. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig follows the life of a woman, Nora, who commits suicide...

SG - Student Government

Student Government swears in 17 new senators

Julia Croston, Government Reporter November 8, 2021

Student Government (SG) has sworn in new Senators and an Attorney General, while simultaneously announcing the resignations of the Supervisor of Elections and Chief of Staff.  In an emotional speech,...

UNF logo

UNF Housing Director responds to claims of mold in dorms

Julia Croston, Government Reporter November 5, 2021

Living in Florida demands a constant battle with the elements, including mold. The most recent Student Government survey asked students to report on-campus issues. As a result, several students reported...

SG - Student Government

SG shares Sep. Osprey Voice results

Julia Croston, Government Reporter November 2, 2021

In their Sep. Osprey Voice survey, Student Government (SG) asked for student input on the usage of the new Competition Pool Complex in collaboration with the UNF Department of Recreation and Wellness to...

Cover of Sally Rooney’s Beautiful World, Where Are You. Photo via MacMillian Publishers.

‘Beautiful World, Where Are You’: a review

Julia Croston, Government Reporter October 29, 2021

With recent success, Sally Rooney continues on her path to becoming one of the most notable authors of the present era. Vogue refers to Rooney as an author with a cult following and the “Salinger for...

SG - Student Government

SG passes bill to swear in senators early

Julia Croston, Government Reporter October 25, 2021

(Updated 5:30 pm, Oct. 26, 2021, to correct potentially opinionated claim.) With an atmosphere of urgency contrasted with occasional laughter, Student Government (SG) met in the Senate chambers to pass...

SG - Student Government

SG faces lack of Senators

Julia Croston, Government Reporter October 16, 2021

Student Government (SG) once again is struggling to fill open Senate seats for the Spring semester. Simply, not enough students are interested in being appointed. With the recent uncontested election,...

SG - Student Government

No longer contested, SG’s election plans fall through

Julia Croston, Student Government Reporter October 15, 2021

Student Government’s (SG) election timeline has been indefinitely postponed after the Senator Debate was canceled. After the news broke last week, Spinnaker reached out to Deputy Elections Commissioner...

SG - Student Government

Student Government passes a trio of bills ahead of ‘Rally in Tally’

Julia Croston, Student Government Reporter October 11, 2021

(Updated Oct. 12 to correct a minor error.) On Friday, Oct. 8, Student Government (SG) met in the Senate chambers to finalize new legislation before it will be presented to state legislators at Rally...

SG - Student Government

Rally in Tally: Student Body President Besirevic shares SG’s goals for the event

Julia Croston, Government Reporter October 6, 2021

On Oct. 14, Student Government (SG) will have the opportunity to lobby at Rally in Tally, a conference at the state capitol, along with representatives from other public universities in Florida. In a conversation...

Courtesy of SG.

Lend-A-Fit has opened, Student Body Vice President Grosso explains the goals of the initiative

Julia Croston, Student Government Reporter October 4, 2021

On Sep. 27, Lend-A-Fit, funded by Student Government (SG), opened for student use. Spinnaker interviewed Student Body Vice President Johnny Grosso to discuss the goals and details of Lend-A-Fit.  Grosso...

President Besirevic, Courtesy of SG

‘I am the voice of the students’: Student Body President explains her role on the Presidential Search Committee

Julia Croston, Government Reporter October 1, 2021

On Sep. 30, Spinnaker met with Student Body President Selma Besirevic to discuss her role as the student representative on the UNF Presidential Search Committee. Along with Besirevic, was Student Government...

Courtesy of the Unity Party.

UNF’s Unity Party

Julia Croston, Government Reporter September 29, 2021

Before the upcoming Senate election, the Unity party outlined its goals and initiatives for the future of Student Government (SG). Spinnaker spoke with Unity founders Nathaniel Rodefer and Kevin Luhrs.  Unity...

SG - Student Government

Upcoming Events for the Fall 2021 Election

Julia Croston, Government Reporter September 24, 2021

During the Fall 2021 election, candidates will only run for Senate seats. There are 20 Senate Seats that alternate in the Spring and Fall. The Spring 2022 election will determine the next Student Body...

UNF’s Soar Party

UNF’s Soar Party

Julia Croston, Government Reporter September 23, 2021

With the upcoming Student Government (SG) election, Spinnaker interviewed Soar Party founders: Emily Sullivan, Gabrielle D’Amico, and AJ Likosar.  Soar explained that their name came from feeling...

SG - Student Government

SG releases their Sep. Osprey Voice

Julia Croston, Government Reporter September 22, 2021

On Sep. 17, the University and Student Affairs Committee (USA) met to create this month’s Osprey Voice survey. The survey will focus on the new Competition Pool Complex. The pool recently opened on Sep....

SG - Student Government

Student Government Treasurer gives an inside look on SG scholarships

Julia Croston, Government Reporter September 17, 2021

On Aug. 23, Student Government (SG) proudly announced they will be giving $68,500 in scholarships to students via the SG Scholarship Fund. Since this announcement, SG has advertised this opportunity through...

SG - Student Government

Student Government begins their recovery from understaffing

Julia Croston, Government Reporter September 11, 2021

During their second Senate meeting of the fall semester on Friday, Student Government (SG) discussed legislation and budgetary requests before ultimately confirming Ashley Mason as a new Associate Justice. Chief...

UNF Senate confirms Student Body Vice President during first Senate meeting of the fall semester

UNF Senate confirms Student Body Vice President during first Senate meeting of the fall semester

Julia Croston, Reporter August 28, 2021

Updated: 8:15 a.m August 30 with the photo of newly confirmed Vice President John Grosso. Filling the room for the first time since the outbreak of COVID-19, Student Government (SG) met in the Senate...

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