Parting shots: Kathleen Belew
June 4, 2004
I encourage people who criticize to spend a day here. Note that we have no "night staff" like many college papers do. That means some people are here from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., minus classes. Note that we don't get credit for working here, but are instead paid something like $2 an hour. That means that most of us also have full course loads. Note that we pop antacids like candy.
Why? People here think they can change the world. The Daily newsroom is an ideological oasis of hope. And I owe a lot of my worldview to people in this office, people who have held me up through hard times and laughed with me through fine ones.
Kristin Henderson, who sacrificed health, safety and GPA to the paper on a regular basis, deserves praise from all of us. She gambled it all on The Daily, and I like to think that she won. Dylan Lee Lehrke was a great editor in chief and an even better writer. May he find time to write between the real jobs. Randy Trick has a driving passion for news that makes me miss the chase. His talent will take him far, and his probity continues to amaze me. Alex Sundby and his wit have saved us all. His ethics were invaluable to the paper. Monika Jones and her irrepressible energy remain in the newsroom still. May Brian Stryker cover lots of breaking news at the College Inn. Thanks also to the previous generation, the people of the good old days: Matt, Adam, Jon, Chelsea and Marie, wherever you are.
And to those who are staying behind: Heather, stock up on alcohol. Brians Alexander and Turner, keep pushing the excellent investigative pieces. Kyle, you gotta be crazy to do it again, but good luck. Sid, I know your writing is about to take off -- keep the faith. Lauren, it's all at your fingertips -- reach out and take it. Blythe, realize your incredible talent and wield your words with confidence. Maureen, push to the reaches of your mind and keep pushing. Oren, thank you -- just thank you.
And to everyone else who I have ever worked with within these walls: All my good hopes go with you out into the world. I am infinitely proud of each of you.
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