The Slate has existed as a cornerstone of Shippensburg University’s academia for 59 years and with its talented and devoted staff it will thrive for decades to come.

As the 60th anniversary approaches, I am excited to be the latest editor-in-chief in a long line of predecessors. My duties are countless, but my goals are simple — maintain the outstanding work our staff has done, and relentlessly build upon it for the future.

The organization has faced challenges and obstacles throughout the years. Some have been technical, others financial and, most recently, environmental. As news editor of The Slate, I reported on the dissolving faculty contract negotiations and the strike. Our newspaper was pushed to the max, with editors, writers and photographers working nearly around the clock to deliver the latest news to the SU community.

We could have stayed home and relaxed during the strike. We could have broken our objectivity and picked which side of the picket line we wanted to stand on. We could have caught up on homework or hung out with our friends. But instead we voluntarily devoted countless hours to serve our community.

The strike, while certainly a strenuous time, was no exception to one important fact — students work at The Slate because they care about their academic endeavors and care about their community.

The Slate is a student-run, volunteer organization that brings students from a variety of backgrounds together for a common purpose. Regardless of your race, gender, sexual orientation, age or any other demographic, we stand together to train each other in the ways of journalism — the art of telling a story and reporting the truth.

But to be a high-functioning, professional organization, we bring in bright business majors, personable public relations emphases and diligent and motivated students. Together, these committed individuals work to train themselves and each other in their future careers by getting invaluable hands-on experience.

My college career did not start in the classroom — it started with a reporter’s pad in one hand and a camera in the other.

From Day 1 at SU, I worked in the news section. I started out writing a weekly column, which developed into a familiar facet of my life that I will continue to do until I graduate in May of 2018. As assistant news editor I covered the McCune Lumber Yard fire and U.S. Senate candidate Joe Sestak’s Shippensburg campaign stop.

After a year, I realized I loved covering hard news and working under pressure. I was hired as news editor and made it a priority to report on all the need-to-know information for students and the community at large.

Throughout my three and a half years at the campus newspaper, I have seen people at their best and worst. I’ve learned more about journalism in one day than I could in a week of classes. I have gained a tremendous degree of respect for The Slate as an organization, and the dozens of students who came and went through the years.

As editor-in-chief I will make sure to continue the reputation The Slate has made for itself and always try to improve it. We will do our best to cover every newsworthy event and issue that involves students and SU.

As The Slate staff, its alumni and all the members of SU’s community look back on the 60-year history of The Slate, we should also be looking forward.

The future is bright and full of opportunity. Wherever you find hardworking and motivated students, you will find success and great things. The Slate is the epitome of that endeavour, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.

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