For the past four years, I’ve had one consistent passion — The Saint. After dedicating hours and hours to each issue beginning in my freshman year, my career in the lower corner office in the Wege Center is about to come to a close.

Arriving at Aquinas fresh out of high school, I had the strong desire to make a difference in Aquinas College’s student newspaper. I feel that by putting my skills and journalism background to work — though not always easy — I truly made an impact on how The Saint has been perceived by the Aquinas community, especially with these past two years.

But as I look back on my time as an editor, whether that be sports editor, assistant editor or finally editor-in-chief, I realize that there have been some very important people in my life who have helped me in making a difference in the quality of each issue of The Saint that I participated in.

First, our editorial board. Though many might not be aware of it, the editorial board spends countless hours in the newspaper office with each issue. Section editors sacrifice their weekends and nights to make sure that The Saint is the best it can be. We’ve certainly had our laughs — whether it be photo-shopping me into a dancer’s body or drawing photos of me whipping an AP Stylebook at the window with the intention of killing a fly…only to…well, you know. It’s been a lot of fun, and without your help, The Saint wouldn’t be where it is today.

Secondly, our adviser, Dan Brooks, has been there through the thick and thin. He consistently has offered advice when the editorial board (and myself) most need it. Most importantly, he’s believed in me ever since I joined The Saint, and working closely with him these past two years has been a blessing.

Third, my predecessors, Jamie LaDronka and Chris Epplett. I learned a lot from both of you, and you helped me prepare to be the best editor-in-chief that I could be when my time finally came.

Lastly, I have to thank our writers. Without you, there wouldn’t be a paper, and The Saint could not be a successful newspaper. To those that have come to those 10:30 Wednesday night meetings, I applaud you for devoting your late-night time to us.

In the future, I hope that The Saint will continue to flourish year after year. We’ve made a lot of successes since I’ve joined the staff, including a re-design and new web site this year alone. Under Dan Treul, my successor, I know that The Saint will continue to flourish.

As I wander off into the distance and into my professional career, I certainly won’t forget about The Saint and how I have learned so much from the many experiences I’ve described above, and more.

This year certainly has been exciting, and I look forward to seeing what the future can bring. Thank you.