Editor in Chief

The future of The Daily Collegian is in very capable hands.

Last night, two extremely hard-working individuals were selected to lead the news and business divisions for the 2008-09 academic year. Terry Casey will serve as editor-in-chief. Stef Kemmler will serve as business manager.

It's the culmination of years of late nights, tough decisions and sacrifices that, hopefully now, seem well worth it. It's also a process seeped in tradition.

Earlier this year, the candidates prepared a proposal that stated their vision for the future of the organization. They submitted a cover letter, a resume, a list of references and an academic transcript. Last night in front of the staff, they sat before the Collegian's board of directors and answered some tough questions about their philosophies on good journalism and good management. The news and business advisers weighed in; recommendations by the staff were passed around.

After deliberation by the board, the president announced the decision in the newsroom to cheers and applause by both staffs. Then we cracked two champagne bottles, gave hasty toasts and up ended the inch of cheap champagne in honor of the future leaders.

I can remember every moment last year -- the questions I expected and the ones I didn't, the sweaty palms, the itchy suit and the feeling at the end of exhilaration and fear. And now on the other side of the process -- the one passing the torch instead of receiving it -- it's rather bittersweet.

My tenure is winding down, and now, another will carry about the weighty responsibility for a paper that so many cherish.

I can't say I'm terribly depressed just yet -- there's too much to do. Though already well versed in Collegian procedure and history, Terry has some tough decisions to make in the weeks ahead. He'll have to pick his managing editors -- in effect, his right and left hands. He'll have to pick the football reporters, one of the most sought-after beats on the paper. He'll have to set the course for the Collegian in a new school year. The possibilities and the potential are endless.

But now, we celebrate. There are way too many serious times ahead not to cherish the good ones.

And I hope it's not my inch of champagne talking, but I know I will sleep at little easier tonight with the reassurance that this paper is in very talented hands.