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Magazine Editor retires

Karen Hogg has been the editor of this publication, the University of Otago Magazine, for nearly two decades, bringing the stories of others into the spotlight. As she prepared to retire she shared her own story.

With her passion for telling the University's stories, eye for detail and cutting-edge creativity, Karen Hogg has ensured Otago's publications are something to be proud of.

Hogg retired at the end of September after 18 years leading the University's publications, first as Editorial Manager and, more recently, as Publications Editor.

She has edited 43 (and-a-half) issues of this magazine; 18 issues of the University's annual research highlights book, He Kitenga; 18 University of Otago Annual Reports; plus countless promotional books, brochures and posters.

When she took over as editor of the magazine it comprised 44 pages and was published three times a year; now it is 56 pages and published twice a year.

“It is a magazine for alumni, but I have tried to keep its focus broad, so that anyone who picks up an issue might find something of interest,” says Hogg.

“Otago's researchers do amazing things and it has been a real privilege to be able to highlight their work. The University of Otago is strategically committed to research that enhances health and wellbeing and to addressing the major challenges of our world – and it does. The work done in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, was – and continues to be – exceptional and has been the basis of many wonderful stories.

“There has never been a shortage of stories; the biggest challenge is often what to leave out.”

She says the wider University community has been very generous to the magazine. Almost without exception, every staff member approached to be featured has said yes, and she has been particularly impressed by alumni from all walks of life who have been happy to share their stories.

“Many of these people live really busy lives and do extraordinary things, and yet their connection with the University has been such that they have given their precious time to be interviewed and photographed for our magazine.

“I like to think that our magazine is a tangible connection with Otago when it arrives in the letterboxes of our alumni around the world; something they can pick and put down at leisure, and perhaps share with others as well.”

“They have all been amazing, but particular stand-outs include former Cook Islands Prime Minister Sir Thomas Davis; renowned philosopher Annette Baier; New Zealand cooking legend Dame Alison Holst; Professor Robert Webster who is a world authority on avian 'flu; 2011 Rugby World Cup CEO Martin Snedden; and Dr Carole McArthur who has dedicated her career to the fight against AIDs in Africa. And there have been dozens and dozens more.”

Over the years there has been much to be proud of, particularly winning two gold awards for He Kitenga (2006 and 2016) in the CASE (Council for the Advancement and Support of Education) international Circle of Excellence awards programme.

“But I am most proud of the special issue of the Otago Magazine to celebrate the University's 150th anniversary,” says Hogg. “I wanted to explore the concept that the true essence of a university can be found in the achievements of its alumni. So I set out to highlight 150 alumni for 150 years, across all decades and all fields of endeavour. It seemed a good idea when I started, but proved a mammoth task. So very many alumni heroes and – again – who to leave out?”

Director of Communications Megan McPherson wishes Hogg well in her retirement, adding that she has made an extraordinary contribution to helping tell the University's stories.

“Not just through the Otago Magazine, but also through other publications, including He Kitenga, the Maori Strategic Framework and the Annual Report, for example. He Kitenga is an annual publication highlighting our premier researchers and their work, and Karen has made this her own. She has always been ahead of the pack in her innovative approach to beautiful publications featuring well-told stories from Otago. It is not surprising that she has twice won international CASE awards for her work.”

In an increasingly digital world Hogg is a passionate supporter of print.

Around the world publications are being cut back, and at Otago it is no different. In 2015 the University reduced the magazine to two issues a year, but continually rising postage costs are a significant problem.

“For this issue – and for the first time ever – the magazine distribution list has been cut. We do have a website that offers an online version, but I am a staunch believer in the power of print. I like to think that our magazine is a tangible connection with Otago when it arrives in the letterboxes of our alumni around the world; something they can pick and put down at leisure, and perhaps share with others as well. If anyone is still reading this, perhaps they will agree with me!”

LISA DICK

Retiring Publications Editor Karen Hogg: “There has never been a shortage of stories; the biggest challenge is often what to leave out.”
Photo: Alan Dove

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