Brian Colligan
EDITORIAL WRITING
Greenville Daily Reflector

Editorial writing is a part of journalism that leans heavily on seasoned thinking, and more times than not, those who practice it bear the gray hairs that speak to experience.

Not so for Brian Colligan, 25, editoral page assistant for the Daily Reflector in Greenville. This energetic young journalist pens opinions, manages the Public Forum and paginates the editorial pages daily, as well as regularly laying out nation and world pages for the copy desk.

Editorials are his first love, however.

"We put a lot of emphasis on them," he said. "The opinion page is where the thinkers go. You just can't have enough."

"Brian has brought a fresh voice to the opinion page that has broadened its horizons and its depth," said Mary Schulken, editorial page editor. "His interest and his idealism challenge everyone around him."

Editorial writing requires skill, persuasion and precision, and complex topics often intimidate newcomers. But not Brian.

"He takes on tough topics and he takes them on fearlessly, often choosing an ambitious approach," said Schulken.

One of his winning entries contrasted the plight of smuggled Chinese immigrants who spent weeks in the squalid hold of a ship with a remark made by a Pitt County commissioner about those with Hispanic backgrounds. It showed the shallow nature of the remark in compelling terms.

Working for Schulken "is an amazing experience," he said. "She obviously is one of Cox's best writers, and one of our best editors. She makes me work hard, and that's exactly what I need as I learn the business."

A variety of life experiences shape well a mind that ultimately will write editorials. Colligan and his Air Force family lived in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts, Texas and Maryland. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 1998 with a double major in communications and political science.

He recently wed Nancy McGillicuddy, the Daily Reflector's reporter covering Pitt County. She was the Best of Cox Community feature writing winner in feature writing last year. They're a couple who are keeping the Cox Awards in the family.