A Note from the Editor
By George Malian, Magazine Editor
George Malian (Photo prvoded)
As a senior set to graduate in May, I’ve realized that this will be the last piece I write for The Gettysburgian. My time at this newspaper has been an experience that has shaped me not only as a writer but as a person. It has challenged me to think deeply about the foundation of a place that—for better or worse—has played a part in molding us into the people we are. It has given me a sense of purpose and fulfilled a perception of duty to contribute to this campus positively. For that, I will be forever grateful to this institution and the people behind it.
Although I could fill the remainder of this editor’s note with fond memories of my time at The Gettysburgian, it would not honor the mission it serves to do so.
The Gettysburgian’s motto “Documenting Tomorrow’s History Today” is an adage that stands at the center of what this newspaper means to me. It is a vision carried on the backs of the devoted writers and editors who faithfully toil to keep Gettysburg College students informed. Like all parts of the College, however, our work is not without its imperfections and failings.
At times, we have fallen short in covering systemic injustices, student activism, and including the voices of students of color. As someone who has been involved in The Gettysburgian’s leadership for the past year and a half, these shortcomings are not just The Gettysburgian’s but my own.
When our editorial board stepped into their roles in August of 2022 they inherited a responsibility not only to help steward our campus’ oldest student organization but to avert the mistakes of The Gettysburgian’s past. In every way they know, they have helped grow this newspaper beyond the limits it once knew. I am proud of the progress we have made throughout the last year and proud of the people who helped make it possible.
My hope, however, is that when The Gettysburgian is reborn next August with a new set of editors, its leadership will continue to create a more perfect organization. To “Document Tomorrow History’s Today,” we have to think beyond the status quo and embody the attitudes not of the present but of the future. It’s a tough effort that will require courage and change but will guide the momentum we’ve worked so hard to build into fulfilling the true mission of The Gettysburgian.
In this magazine, please join us as we look at how the Eisenhower Institute hopes to inspire connections between Gettysburg and the Middle East, look at the College’s dissolution of the education major, explore Phi Gamma Delta’s return to campus, and hear the story behind one of students’ favorite local businesses—Waldo’s & Company.
Thank you again for joining us for the latest edition of The Gettysburgian. It’s been an honor.
George Malian ’23
Magazine Editor, The Gettysburgian
This article originally appeared on page 2 of the March 2023 edition of The Gettysburgian’s magazine.
