Understanding the Constants

The answer is the constants. Most alumni remember the same green crescent copy desk. The framed proof of the first issue still watches over the newsroom, reminding us we still work for the same reasons that you did.

The furious pace of change these past few years has not affected these constants; a testament to the strength of this institution. While we still have wax tablets in our (tapeless) supply room, we also have received computers comparable to the best a modern newspaper could offer.

Unfortunately, another constant is the frustration in producing the Cardinal. Computers and design stations had been in such a state of repair that I remember staffers fanning the copy desk computer so it would not overheat.

Sometimes I look longingly at those wax tablets, though I must admit I have no idea how to use them.

Our latest upgrade, funded by the DCAA this summer, has simplified and improved producing the paper. We received new computers; upgraded existing ones; and deployed Adobe InDesign, the rising industry standard, replacing a nine-year-old version of QuarkXPress.

This upgrade came just in time. National election coverage will be the focus of the first semester. The Cardinal covered the Republican National Convention and Cardinal reporters will cover the presidential debate in St. Louis this fall. Being in a "swing state," the Cardinal will cover plenty of candidate appearances.

I can report the Cardinal turns a consistent profit each semester and that both our audience and content are increasing.

Thanks to our constants--tradition and continuity--we continue to thrive and make the paper a more exciting place to be.