My story on The Eagle is one of couches. I wrote my first breaking news story with Tyler Davis and Owen Auston-Babcock on the sticky plastic couch in The Eagle’s old office. My first cover story was written on the warm gray knit couch in ’23-24 Editor-in-Chief Abigail Pritchard’s sun soaked living room. Many nights covering protests and encampments ended by crashing on former Multimedia Manager Editor Izzy Fantini’s couch. And after being appointed Editor-in-Chief, I sat on ’24-25 EIC Abby Turner’s couch while she taught me the ins-and-outs of my new responsibilities, accompanied by the supportive presence of her ’24-25 Cat-in-Chief, Morey.
These stories mark my milestones on The Eagle. However, what stands in my memory is the people who made my growth possible — people who inspired me to be better and pushed me to strive further. The Eagle taught me the tenants of journalism ethics, the practical skills of reporting and the fundamentals of The Associated Press style — but, most importantly, it has taught me that journalism is a human endeavor.
Last month, I had the privilege to tell that story at The Eagle’s 100th anniversary celebration. Afterwards, I talked to several alumni and friends of the paper about their own Eagle couch stories, some of which I wouldn’t repeat in polite company. I couldn’t help but think about all the many people and the many couches that are part of The Eagle’s history. I am profoundly grateful to lead The Eagle in this historic year, and it is with that gratitude in mind that our staff has put together this anniversary edition worthy of the milestone. Each of our sections has contributed a story with the 100 years of Eagle coverage in mind — on topics ranging from curriculum,women’s sports to movies and satire.
Thank you to Abigail Hatting, my partner in crime as news managing editor. This semester wouldn’t have been possible without having her to bounce ideas off of and laugh off a hectic day with.
To Sabine Kanter-Huchting who works wonders with the copy team everyday, and without whom this paper could not provide the accurate and informative content we’re known for.
To Marina Caraballo, who with caring and drive has breathed life into El Àgulia and more than doubled the size of our spanish-language section.
To Gavin O’Malley, whose wit is nearly as impressive as the Multimedia teams’ ability to wrangle photos and graphics without fail. To Penelope Jennings and the Sports section for their incomparable dedication. To Quinn Volpe, Alana Parker and the Opinion section for keeping us informed on the campus pulse — and to Satire for reminding us all to take ourselves less seriously. To Jess Ackerman and Life for their creativity. To Neil Lazurus, who as diversity, equity and inclusion and community engagement editor, has brought together our staff to ensure that we create an even better paper for the next hundred years.
Thank you to Zach, Courtney, Heather, Brett and The Eagle’s Advisory Board for bringing our alumni together this year and always being there for our staff.
To Terry Bryant for stepping in as The Eagle’s advisory this year and Amy Eisman for providing the best council even in retirement.
And thank you to my friends, family and past editors who have been an amazing support system while navigating this incredible job.
This article was edited by Abigail Hatting. Copy editing done by Sabine Kanter-Huchting.
