Dear The Spectrum,
Congratulations on publishing for 60 years. When I served The Spectrum, from 1980–1983, we never took publishing for granted. Publishing required dedication from an ever-changing cast of unpaid students who typically pursued degrees in something other than journalism. The student editorial staff had to research and to write timely newsworthy stories with clarity and credibility. The student production staff had to assemble all of the editorial and advertising content into an attractive package available for everyone in the community to read the next morning. The student business staff had to manage and to maintain scarce financial resources in an economically challenged community to ensure that the paper could be printed and distributed. Then they had to do it all over again two days later.
The Spectrum relies upon leadership that develops organically and changes annually. We understood that we were temporary stewards of a remarkable enterprise. As we began, we received excellent mentoring from experienced students nearing graduation. As we worked, we maintained the excellence of the paper. As we neared graduation, we provided excellent mentoring to future leaders. I served The Spectrum for a mere three years, and it remains the model enterprise of my life.
Constant news production can be a daunting grind. The lyric reverberating in my head was from Pink Floyd's "Brain Damage": every day, the paperboy brings more. It was hard for students to publish excellent work every day, but The Spectrum had its moments.
I hope that this bit of nostalgia inspires a fresh set of students to become the stewards who will write the companion to this piece for The Spectrum's 100th anniversary. Congratulations. Long may you publish.
Sincerely,
Terry Canade,
BA Economics, 1984
The Spectrum, Staff Writer, Campus Editor, Managing Editor
