“Real people do this,” was the first realization Lorelai Hilarczyk came to when joining The Outlook student-run newspaper. After spending countless hours making sure her piece was perfect and reading it a million times, her first printed article’s headline had a misspelled word. Naturally, she freaked out about the mistake, but she quickly learned that this imperfection was proof of journalism’s humanity. This panic was not only an important lesson, but was a clear prediction of her career to come.
Beginning her sophomore year, Lorelai joined The Outlook and never looked back. Encompassing 71 articles, thousands of words, and countless connections, her career thus far has been anything but dull. Those articles include a review of Monmouth’s “Singin’ In The Rain,” an exclusive feature with Chris Galletta the main creator of “A Minecraft Movie,” and a 2000s club experience of “Party 101” with “Victorious” star Matt Bennett, to name a few.
As a communication major concentrating in journalism and public relations, Lorelai’s participation in The Outlook was inevitable. While fear about skill and commitment may have held her back during freshman year, opting to become well versed in her courses before taking on the responsibility, made her unstoppable once she got started.
Lorelai grew up in a very musical household and was a certified Disney kid. She was named after Lorelai Gilmore from “Gilmore Girls,” making her devotion to the entertainment section practically fate; although she joked that she did not mean to follow in the footsteps of Rory Gilmore becoming an editor at her college paper. That’s just what the world had in store for her. Quickly, she climbed from a contributing writer to staff writer, covering a variety of topics, from album reviews and film recaps to spotlight pieces on local artists. And by March of her sophomore year, she was asked to be the entertainment editor.
From endless days in the newsroom curating connections to taking on this position, this has been the highlight of her college career and, in the words of Lorelai, “the most rewarding moments in my life thus far.” As a true fangirl, the opportunity to write about music, film, and entertainment was incredibly compelling and “the literal coolest thing ever.”
Her career in The Outlook spanned various departments. As a musical theatre minor, her passion for theatre landed her in dress rehearsals and MU Players events, where she got to witness early performances of campus shows and write about them in a review/preview style. Her love of music helped her carve connections with the Music and Theatre Arts Department, where she’d sit in on networking events and review Blue Hawk Record’s albums. Lorelai has even had the incredible opportunity to attend the Sea.Hear.Now Festival 2025 in Asbury Park with a press pass. Where she managed to barricade for artists like Royel Otis, Inhaler, and 4 Non Blondes in order to bring the full festival experience to the page for MU students.
Former Managing and Lifestyles Editor, Bailey Fredericks recalled her experience with Lorelai. “When I had the privilege of being an editor of The Outlook alongside her, she never stopped inspiring me. From the creative story angles she pursued to her perfect use of witty and unique headlines, every student journalist could borrow a trick or two out of Lorelai’s playbook,” Fredericks said. Most important, though, Fredericks said, “Lorelai puts her whole heart into every single thing she pursues,” and that is apparent in how she pursued The Outlook.
Samantha Spano, Monmouth alumna and independent country artist, had the opportunity to work with Lorelai on various occasions during her time as a writer, most recently in Lorelai’s article on Spano’s song “Whiskey Don’t Work (Anymore).” Spano said, “For Lorelai, writing is a passion project. The same way that I pour my heart into songwriting, she pours her heart into her stories.”
Lorelai’s career with The Outlook goes beyond the articles themselves, it festers in the impact she made. Spano also said, “Throughout my college career and beyond, Lorelai was the first to shine light on my new projects and as an independent artist to have that kind of support means more to me than I can put into words.” The best part about interviewing with Lorelai for Spano was that interviewing always felt like catching up with a friend.
Olivia Melfi is another Monmouth alumna and artist that Lorelai collaborated with. Melfi highlighted that Lorelai “just naturally lives in the world of entertainment.” During Melfi’s senior year at Monmouth, Lorelai interviewed her for an artist spotlight. Melfi echoed a similar experience with Lorelai as Spano. Melfi said, “[Lorelai] has such a beautiful way of capturing stories and turning them into compelling narratives…The questions she asked me about my music were so thoughtful and intriguing…I even found myself surprised about some of the answers she got out of me.”
As Entertainment Editor, Lorelai was incredibly devoted to sharing this joy. She assisted Emily Stacherski in her position as lifestyles editor and taught her everything she knows. “She sat with me week after week when I first became editor and helped me with anything I needed and answered all my questions,” Stacherski said, “I’ll be super grateful for the help she gave me, and I’m so happy I got this opportunity because of her in the first place.”
Journalism professor John Morano, too, has a strong opinion on Lorelai’s magnanimity. “She’s generous with both a thought and a smile and is typically selfless in how she approaches her involvements, The Outlook in particular.” He explained, “Her involvement actually raises the level of learning for everyone in the room.” According to Morano, if you have any questions regarding journalism, education, and opportunities at Monmouth, Lorelai is the one to ask. ‘That’s how it’s done,’” he said.
David Tripold, a professor in the Music and Theatre Arts Department, also shared his experience with Lorelai. “In my opinion, Lorelai is a passionate and capable writer who has a future ahead of her in journalism.” It’s clear that Lorelai’s writing and charisma have touched various individuals, across departments.”
When I began as a contributing editor my freshman year, I worried about my talent, but it was Lorelai’s kind words that pushed me to write. And now as a staff writer, I can for certain agree with everyone’s sentiments. Lorelai has been a guiding post for me, and her endless encouragement and companionship has been such a vital source of inspiration for me as a writer. I wouldn’t be the writer I am today without her mentorship and friendship.
Advisor to The Outlook, Dr. Marina Vujnovic also reflected on her time working with Lorelai which was “a pleasure” and that “[Lorelai] is one of the best editors we’ve had by far. It will be difficult to fill her shoes.” Vujnovic said, “Although we will miss her at The Outlook, we wish her all the best in her immediate and future pursuits.”
Lorelai has dedicated three years to The Outlook and has clearly made an everlasting impact. She is ardent in her commitment to print journalism and was earnest in her position as editor. Lorelai shared that she has loved being “immersed in the community” and while she is sad to leave, “I have complete total faith in the next entertainment editor and the entire staff for the next year.”
And after writing over 56,000 words, she will let up her pen this week and release her final ones, ending her career as a student journalist and setting out into the professional world. It’s fair to say we can all agree with Samantha Spano who said, “Lorelai has a wonderful future ahead of her in whatever venture she decides to take on next.”
