From The Editor’s Desk: Saying Goodbye to The Loyola Phoenix

For one last time, I’m sitting down here at the editor’s desk in the wee hours of the early morning to scribble down some disjointed thoughts for page 2. This week I’ll be breaking two of the key rules I’ve tried to instill in our more creative work as Editor-in-Chief this year — don’t write about the newspaper and don’t write about writing. 

As the arbiter of these restrictions, I know full well the majority of readers won’t really care about someone they don’t know writing about the newspaper he works at — but it’s my final issue, so I’m going to set all that aside and fill some column inches with unadulterated sappiness. 

I got involved with The Phoenix before I ever attended a class at Loyola. Since I arrived in Rogers Park there hasn’t been an issue of the paper that didn’t feature at least one article written by me. This is my 195th and final byline for the paper — not to mention the many stories I started working on which ultimately never materialized. 

From food poisoning in dining halls to Loyola’s real estate holdings, union negotiations and university finances, I’ve tried my best to live up to what journalism, at its highest ideals, can be. The Phoenix has offered me an unparalleled opportunity to learn the ins and outs of in-depth reporting and, in some small way, the chance to impact my community. 

By meeting U.S. Senators, alderpeople and congressional candidates, I’ve been able to delve into the minutiae of local politics, extending my education as a political science major outside the classroom. 

After spending four years covering the university and its administration so closely, I’d contend there are a select few individuals in this world who know more about Loyola than I do. 

More important than any of this, however, are the vital lessons I’ve learned along the way. Beyond growing as a writer and editor, I’ve learned so much about working with others and what it means to achieve something as a team. I was pretty sure I knew everything when I was a first-year — more than anything else, it’s thanks to The Phoenix I know better than that now. 

There have been so many amazing writers, editors and photographers who I’ve come to know working here, but if you’ll bear with me I’m going to shout out a few who’ve particularly impacted me. 

First a huge thanks to Kayleigh Padar and Nicky Andrews for teaching me the basis of news writing and putting up with my nonsense. Isabella Grosso and Jacob Danielson were my partners as news editors when I was first hired to staff as a second-year and they taught me more than I could ever do justice to in writing. 

Andi Revesz was the best fellow sports editor I could’ve asked for when making the uncertain jump between sections as a third-year. It has been amazing to watch her grow these last few years. 

This year Managing Editor Catherine Meyer saved the day on more occasions than I can count, picking up the slack and cleaning up messes which often result from my negligence. She has been the best partner in editorial leadership I could’ve ever asked for.

I hope you’ve enjoyed our work this year. I’d like to think this volume of The Phoenix has been consistently thorough and intelligent. When classes start up next year, don’t forget — we’ll be here every Wednesday with insightful local news, thoughtful editorials and the latest in pop culture and Loyola sports. 

I can’t imagine my life at Loyola without The Phoenix. It has been one of the honors of my life to serve as its editor. The Bird has opened the doors to opportunities I never thought possible. The school newspaper is one of the longest standing traditions at Loyola — I’m proud to have shaped a small part of that history. 

And with that, I suppose I have nothing left to say. Thank you for reading.