Before I was born, The Slate was producing quality work for Shippensburg University’s community. For over 60 years, there have been hundreds of people who have created content for The Slate. It is now 2025, and all I have been able to tell myself lately is how lucky I am to be one of those hundreds. 

I began as a staff contributor for The Slate. Throughout my journey within this organization, I have truly realized the power behind this publication. The Slate — from a university perspective — publishes content from any major, and I think this is one of the most important attributes that any newspaper could have. Regardless of who you are or what you believe, you have a space to express your thoughts (within reason, of course). 

I was offered the managing editor position in the spring semester of 2024, alongside the outgoing editor-in-chief Connor Niszczak. The two of us have done a number of things this year, but in addition to us, The Slate — as a whole — has had incredible accomplishments. There have been immense strides taken by each and every member of this organization regarding the understanding of administration, politics, silliness and consistency. 

The year was full of challenges, but each challenge ended with a success. And success does not always mean a physical victory; sometimes, it is simply just the knowledge that you learn along the way and the people who you share an experience with. 

While I, patiently, await the final days of the 2024-25 academic year, I wanted to bring The Slate’s legacy to the forefront. The Slate is, has always been and always will be, a place for integrity, responsibility, accountability, service and education. With this, those who work for The Slate are aware of its mission. 

“Our mission: Since 1957, The Slate has strived to serve the Shippensburg University community with vital news and entertainment. We provide real-world experiences for students to build their skills in journalism and communication that they can take with them to the job market.” 

Even when I am no longer a student at SU, I will continue to watch in amazement of the work that The Slate staff produces. For as long as it has existed, it will continue. And even longer.

This student-run newspaper has the ability to move mountains. Being a part of the organization has changed my life for good, and I will use the skills, motivation, determination and experience that I have gotten forever, even when I am a part of the “real world.”

There is always a fear to know something so well and, one day, not be a part of it anymore. However, I know the upcoming staff for the 2025-26 academic year will be a pivotal group for The Slate’s reputation. 

To all of those people — good luck, and I’ll see you slater. 

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