Where does it come from, that stack of thin, folded papers called The Vanderbilt Hustler? It is a mystery most students will never fully understand.

As outgoing editor-in-chief, I come from a long line of predecessors who know all too well how the paper comes into being in the basement of Sarratt twice a week. I also come from a long line of students who, against their own better judgment, willingly sign their lives away one semester at time. The job requires passion and a tinge of masochism.

I knew what I was getting into when I signed up for the position of editor-in-chief last fall and would be lying if I said I was not petrified at the onset. Because of one incredible staff, though, this has been the most rewarding experience I have had here at Vanderbilt. I am genuinely proud of the product.

I hope readers have taken the opportunity to listen to the many podcasts that have accompanied articles this semester online. Our staff ended the semester with a special project that launched Friday online and in print — please take a look. Also, I hope students enjoyed the longer articles and our staff’s efforts to increase investigative reporting this semester.

In all of these accomplishments, I have to say, my role was little more than one of a facilitator. Staffers knew what they wanted out of the semester and went for it.
In February, The Hustler won Best of the South at the Southeastern Journalism Conference. Although I was technically at the helm, it was the previous semester’s hard work that earned the paper the honor. I believe that this semester our strong staff has continued to grow and mature. I simply want to congratulate them on excellent work and all of their devotion.

Expect a great deal of innovation from Vanderbilt Student Communications and The Hustler next year. Both will be guided by extremely capable students. Also, an increased focus on the accompanying InsideVandy.com Web site should make for a more engaging experience online.

As for me, I may be leaving the post of EIC, but I plan to continue writing and leading VSC in the production of multimedia. Thank you for all of your interest in The Hustler and InsideVandy.com. As always, the staff welcomes your comments, thoughts and suggestions. Let us know what we can do to be more relevant.

Sincerely,
Sydney Wilmer