Finis

To the happy few who have spent countless late nights in the basement of South Dining Hall and the ninth floor of Hesburgh Library, no explanation of The Observer is necessary.

A bond is formed in these walls, amid the many cups of coffee, the many stories edited and the utter lack of a proper sleep schedule. This newspaper is a labor of love for those who undertake it, and I am proud to have worked toward its improvement and perpetuation in the past year.

In every word we’ve written, every sentence we’ve strung together, every story we’ve edited and every edition we’ve published, this editorial board has striven toward something greater than merely putting out content five nights a week; we have undertaken the unyielding pursuit of the truth.

This pursuit is a messy enterprise. Uncovering the truth takes time, dedication and an unwavering resolve. Reporting it accurately takes prudence, critical thinking and care. However, it is a task fundamentally necessary for any great university.

The founders of this newspaper, 60 years ago, declared that the University needed an independent, student-run organization dedicated to the “all-encompassing search for the truth, both in fact and opinion.” They recognized that power must be accountable to honest criticism and that establishing truth is necessary to pursue the good.

At times, this paper has imperfectly achieved this mission, beholden to ideology and unwilling to engage in serious dialogue. At its best, however, it can be an institution that advocates for the fundamental values that make this Catholic university great, creates an environment of free speech where the great debates of the day can take place, and reports the news with the utmost accuracy and impartiality.

For the past three and a half years, I have picked up my pen to try to move this newspaper toward this goal and serve this University. I now set it down with hope for this newspaper and this University, both of which I love beyond measure.