Final edition for the semester and the editor

R. John Klimut
Editor in Chief

And, an era comes to an end.

OK, so it's a little grandiose, but this is my final editorial for the Alestle, and I think have earned the right to get a little sentimental and grandiose and extravagant, just once.

For those of you who haven't heard, my term as editor in chief of the Alestle is over. Brian Wallheimer will take control of the paper starting this summer. Wallheimer started here at the paper roughly the same time I did and in the same job - news stringer. Over the past two years we've watched him rise through the ranks to be one of our premiere reporters and now he has the chance to lead the paper. Good luck, Brian.

Overall, however, I'd say it has been a good run for me and at the very least, interesting, I've also learned a great deal from my experience here at the paper. Things such as, the one thing you think people will complain about goes unnoticed, whereas some little thing that didn't garner more than a glance will get you in trouble real fast. The fact that every day you come into the office someone has a gripe with you and that congratulations are a very rare, and endangered thing when related to editors.

But, that's the job and I've loved every minute of it. If I had to do everything over again, knowing what was involved, I would sign up in a heartbeat. I am, however, rather sad that I will no longer be able to contribute to the entity I hold so close to my heart. It's time I move on and so I will.

But, looking back over the, now seemingly, very short year I have headed the Alestle, the paper has gone through some major changes and covered some relatively major events. We've boosted the overall quality of the paper, changed the design, increased the staff and won a few awards along the way. In terms of coverage we've seen and followed the firing of SIUC Chancellor Jo Ann Argersinger, funding-rule changes in student government, the return of medium cups and a lengthy series on parking problems in Cougar Village, among others. I'm happy I was here to be a part of it all.

Running a newspaper is not an easy job. Luckily, however, I've had the opportunity to work with a great staff - thanks, guys.

But, now I'm running out of things to say, so I'll wrap things up.

I'll miss the paper, the rush of working and writing on deadline, the satisfaction of nailing a good story or making someone think with an editorial - in case you didn't know, the whole point of my editorials was to get you to think, not necessarily agree with me. I'll miss my staff and the rather dark newsroom humor, but the paper is being left in good hands, and I'll check in from time to time to keep everyone in line.

So, my final editorial wasn't that extravagant or grandiose, but it was a little sentimental. I hope everyone has a good summer, continues to read the Alestle and I wish everyone at the paper good luck and good stories.

Thank you, everyone.