I’ve struggled with the introduction to this column for quite some time, which is fitting considering it’s the last piece that I’ll write for The Pioneer. Issue 13 not only marks my pending graduation, but also the end of my four-year tenure working for the Pio.

I’ve probably composed at least five drafts of this letter, and ultimately, I concluded that I couldn’t possibly sum up my experience on the Pio in less than 600 words. What I can sum up, however, are the accomplishments that I am most proud of from my past year as Editor-in-Chief.

At the outset of the fall semester, my Co-Editor Derek Thurber and I decided to cut the paper down to only eight pages with the goal of only printing the most relevant, well-written content. Nine months later, I can look back and say that this was one of our better decisions.

This year, more than ever, the content of the Pio has come to embody its tagline, “Whitman news, delivered.” We have published a range of in-depth, investigative articles exploring the 3-2 switch, the increase in tuition and the budget cuts being made across the board. We have also challenged ourselves to produce content that impacts not only the student body, but the college campus as a whole, for all too often students seem to overlook the fact that many of the issues affecting students impact Whitman faculty and staff as well.

In order to print high-quality, informative content, we are very much indebted to our readers who have provided us with “news tips” and suggestions for articles over the course of the year. I encourage you all to continue letting our editors know what you want to read when we resume printing in the fall.

In shortening the print edition, we have also been able to focus more of our efforts on improving the design of the paper. This spring semester we pushed for not only quality news content, but quality graphics and page designs. I think it is safe to say that the design of the Pio looks as professional as it ever has, something that we hope to continue next year!

Speaking of next year, junior Tricia Vanderbilt will be taking over the reins as Editor-in-Chief. I am confident that Tricia will continue to expand upon the successes of this past year, as she has many ideas to further improve the paper. Next fall also brings with it a greater emphasis on our award-winning web site. Now that the web site is finally up and fully functioning, we hope that it will serve as another outlet for campus news, featuring content that is published more frequently throughout the week. We also hope to focus news and events coverage beyond the confines of campus, and to feature stories from around Walla Walla. I, for one, can’t wait to see what next year has in store for the Pio, and will most definitely be a regular visitor to the web site.

This column is not complete without a list of those who have tirelessly worked to produce the paper and those who provided us with constant guidance and encouragement.

I would like to thank the current Pio staff: without your hard work, producing a paper wouldn’t be possible.

I would like to thank our Board of Advisors comprised of Keith Raether, Bob Withycombe, Rob Blethen, Julie Charlip, Ashley Esarey and Lana Brown: your guidance and insight have been invaluable to our staff. I would also like to extend a special thank you to Julie Charlip who has taken many a late Wednesday night phone call from Derek and I.

To my fellow seniors, I wish you the best of luck in the years to come. And to the rest of the study body, best of luck on your upcoming finals and have a wonderful, well-deserved summer.

Until we meet again,

Molly