Nearly 59 years ago, a group of students at the University at Buffalo came together for one cause - they wanted to deliver the news to their peers.
The Spectrum fell into the hands of UB faithfuls on Nov. 17, 1950, and ever since, has thrived as the University at Buffalo's independent student publication.
Students that have graced the offices of this university's student publication have covered presidential elections, wars and even tragedies that have hit close to home or occurred abroad. They've covered an athletics program that, for years, was considered an abomination to Division I athletics. They've covered UB at its finest and UB at its worst.
They've been a part of history.
After being elected the publication's next editor in chief, I can promise each and every one of you that the goal of the journalists before me will remain intact.
Jack Keller, the first editor in chief of The Spectrum, provided objectives that we still hold strong to today. We will distribute the news to you, we will offer an outlet for student opinion and we will provide the opportunity for students to develop as leaders.
You can hold me to those promises.
As society begins to adapt into one dependant on technology, The Spectrum will begin to show those changes as well. While you will still be able to pick up a copy of our publication anywhere on campus, our Web site will begin to evolve in the upcoming months. You will see changes that will allow students to interact with the news in ways that this campus has never experienced before.
Readers will have the ability to comment and discuss about stories that affect the UB community. We will also implement blogs so readers get the most up-to-date coverage on all news that affects those on campus.
It's your news and your lives, after all.
The most important thing I can tell you is to not be afraid to get involved. The Spectrum relies on a student body that has a diverse range of ideas and opinions. Only with diversity can this newspaper thrive and be successful in the upcoming year and beyond. Whether you send a letter to the editor, send us a story tip, or even join our staff as a writer, photographer or cartoon designer, you have the power to inform.
The power of print is something that cannot be taken lightly - and it won't be here. Many of you love our publication, and many hate it, but I can assure you that we take everything that is put into your hands as no joking matter.
We wouldn't be here if we thought otherwise.
As the new staff and myself begin work on June 1, I urge you to let us know of any ideas or concerns you might have. I can't promise that we will respond with changes, but do know that your voices will be heard. It's your paper.
I hope that whether you are leaving this university to make it in "the real world" or if you are coming back for yet another academic year, you still make sure to read SUNY's largest collegiate newspaper. No matter where you are or where you're going, our objective news will always be here, ready for your perusal.
See you real soon.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
