With today marking the final edition of The Cavalier Daily during the 2010-11 academic year, there is no better opportunity to thank the graduating fourth years who helped the paper succeed during their time at the University. These individuals' indefatigable efforts and unyielding loyalty to this newspaper set an example that current and future staff members hope to emulate.
Ross Lawrence, who progressed from an opinion editor to become the paper's 120th executive editor and 121st editor-in-chief, always looked classy in his Sperrys and whatever clothes he happened to rummage up from the wardrobe he kept in his car. His uncanny leadership and skill ushered the paper through several challenges, from the snowstorms of January and February 2010 to the paper's relocation to its new office.
121st Managing Editor Irene Kan, who previously served as an assistant managing editor, showed a commitment to truth that did not cease even when the paper was out of print. Her critical perspective and attention to detail ensured that The Cavalier Daily remained a high-quality product, and those traits provided almost as much inspiration to writers and editors as did her weekly bunny emails.
Connie Huang and David Rann were the paper's 120th and 121st chief financial officers, respectively, and their competent management of the paper's budget enabled it to ride out one of the toughest economic climates in recent history. They both had to make difficult decisions, but the fact that the paper still is publishing on newsprint and not papyrus is a testament to their fiscal prowess.
121st Operations Manager Bennett Sorbo left his mark by solving the problems thrown at him every day through a mix of patience, hard work and occasional use of sass. If there is one perk to him no longer being on the managing board, however, it is that he now can be credited by name when the paper uses the file photos he took as a photographer.
Rodger Nayak began his career at the paper as a news writer before becoming an assistant managing editor. His role involved editing all literary content two or three times per week for about 10 hours a day. Despite this significant commitment, Rodger did not burn out and continued to write enterprising journalistic pieces even after the end of his term. He will carry on doing so upon graduation, and you can expect to see his name in The New York Times one day.
Ben Gomez served as one of the 121st sports editors. He possessed a passion for all sports, including the oft-forgotten non-revenue ones that frequently perform at the highest level among all Virginia teams. This enthusiasm translated into important coverage of sports teams that other local newspapers simply lacked.
Blair Capps served as the 120th and 121st gameday editor. She helped with important projects such as Gridiron, the paper's comprehensive football preview that also happens to be the high point of the season most years.
As advertising manager, Ashley Zamperini played a critical role alongside the CFO in keeping the paper afloat financially. Not only was she a pleasure to be around, but she kept the advertising staff on track in terms of booking space on our pages and collecting on invoices.
Dave Taggart's passion for arts and entertainment served him well as tableau editor. In addition to his talent for landing interviews with a variety of entertainers, he was key to the section's expansion to include more than 40 contributors.
Lani Hossain oversaw major changes during her tenure as health & science editor, but her ability to get things done in a timely manner ensured that these changes were implemented effectively.\nFormer graphics editor Betty Luo co-authored So Hood it Hurts and authored Oscar Wildebeest, both of which ran at the top of the comics page every day. The two strips never ceased to push the limit by commenting on subjects most people would consider taboo.
As a news editor during the 120th term, Samantha Koon's kindness and patience were vital to the section's performance, as well as the recruitment and training of new writers and associate editors.\nFinally, Stephanie Waties contributed heavily to the paper as one of the 120th term's life editors.
The graduating staff includes many other individuals whose dedication and vigor have made The Cavalier Daily what it is today. These unsung heroes and those listed above have left a lasting mark on the paper, and we hope that their time here will help them to achieve their future goals.
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