Dear West Chester,
I always enjoyed dramatic beginnings, almost as much as I enjoy dramatic endings. Lauren Detweiler set an impossibly high standard with her last letter as Editor-in-Chief, and before I begin, I need to thank her for everything she has done. She transformed this newspaper, creating the upward mobility we, as the new staff, can now utilize for the coming year. She gave us the ability to look to the future with high hopes, and I hope to take full advantage of the passion and enthusiasm found in this office; the passion she helped curate. I could not be more thankful for this opportunity, and I cannot wait to begin this journey.
I suppose I should introduce myself: my name is Max James. I am a third-year communication studies major, with a dual minor in creative writing and web technology. I adore creative writing, and I actually discovered The Quad through our very own Creative Writing Club on campus (and thanks to Halle Nelson). I worked as Features Editor for the past semester, and absolutely fell in love with the newspaper during this time.
Lauren covered the goodbyes as best as possible, and as such, it is my duty to conduct the hellos: many of our staff is graduating or otherwise leaving, and as such, we have many more faces who have come to share their journalistic vision. I’d like to formally welcome Doménica Castro as news editor, Kirsten Magas as features editor, Casey Meyer as op-ed Editor, Nicholas Longenbach as photo editor, Carrie Azira as advertising manager and Zoe Falcone (the features editor before myself) as online editor! We are still hiring for two copy editor positions, a business manager, a social media manager and an assistant design editor … so those welcomes are forthcoming.
Last but certainly not least, I would like to congratulate Olivia Bortner on the managing editor position; Olivia has worked diligently for The Quad as a copy editor, and her transition to this new job could not be more welcome.
Worth noting with this issue is our yearly edition of “Thuh Kwak.” Usually saved for around April Fool’s Day, but omitted because Easter lined with this date, we decided to save this for our last issue. I hope you enjoy the satirical, slightly preposterous sections found in both the Arts & Entertainment section and the Creative Commons.
Together, I cannot wait to make The Quad the best possible newspaper. I cannot wait to serve West Chester University, and to provide the students a voice they might not otherwise have. Here’s to a new year, a new start, and a fantastic summer.